Quadrants and regions of abdomen

==Quadrants and Regions of Abdomen ==

The human abdomen is divided into quadrants and regions to facilitate the description of the location of organs, pain, and other medical conditions. This division is particularly useful in clinical settings for diagnosis and treatment.

Quadrants

The abdomen is divided into four quadrants by two imaginary lines: one vertical and one horizontal, intersecting at the umbilicus (navel). These quadrants are:

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Each quadrant contains specific organs and structures. For example, the RUQ contains the liver, gallbladder, and part of the small intestine, while the LUQ contains the stomach, spleen, and part of the pancreas.

Regions

The abdomen is also divided into nine regions by two vertical and two horizontal lines. The vertical lines are called the midclavicular lines, and the horizontal lines are the subcostal line (upper) and the intertubercular line (lower). The nine regions are:

• Right Hypochondriac Region
• Epigastric Region
• Left Hypochondriac Region
• Right Lumbar Region
• Umbilical Region
• Left Lumbar Region
• Right Iliac Region
• Hypogastric Region (or Suprapubic Region)
• Left Iliac Region

Each region contains specific organs. For example, the right hypochondriac region contains the liver and gallbladder, while the epigastric region contains the stomach and part of the pancreas.

Clinical Significance

The division of the abdomen into quadrants and regions is crucial for diagnosing abdominal pain and other symptoms. For instance, pain in the RLQ may indicate appendicitis, while pain in the LUQ may be related to the spleen or stomach.

See Also

• Abdominal cavity
• Peritoneum
• Digestive system
• Anatomical terms of location