Hypogastrium

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Hypogastrium

The hypogastrium (also known as the hypogastric region) is an anatomical term that refers to the lower central region of the abdomen. It is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, which are used to help localize and diagnose abdominal pain and other symptoms. The hypogastrium is situated below the umbilical region and between the left and right iliac regions.

Anatomy

The hypogastrium is bordered by:

• Superiorly: The umbilical region
• Inferiorly: The pubic symphysis
• Laterally: The left iliac region and right iliac region

Contents

The hypogastrium contains several important anatomical structures, including:

• The urinary bladder
• Portions of the small intestine, specifically the ileum
• The sigmoid colon
• In females, the uterus and ovaries
• In males, the prostate gland

Clinical Significance

Pain or discomfort in the hypogastrium can be indicative of various medical conditions. Some common conditions associated with hypogastric pain include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pelvic inflammatory disease in females
• Prostatitis in males

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of hypogastric pain often involves a combination of:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Laboratory tests including urinalysis and blood tests

See Also

• Abdominal regions
• Anatomical terminology
• Pelvic pain
• Lower abdominal pain