Abdomen

Definition

The abdomen is the part of the body located between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. It houses several vital digestive organs including the stomach, liver, intestines, and pancreas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The abdomen contains important organs like the stomach, liver, intestines, and pancreas.
2. It is divided into four quadrants: right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ).
3. Abdominal assessment includes inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.
4. Nutritional status can significantly impact abdominal health and function.
5. Common abdominal conditions include gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcers.

Review Questions

• What major digestive organs are found in the abdomen?
• What are the four quadrants of the abdomen?
• Why is nutritional status important for abdominal health?

Related terms

Stomach:

A muscular organ in the abdomen that helps to digest food by mixing it with gastric juices.

Liver:

A large organ in the upper right abdomen that processes nutrients from food and detoxifies chemicals.

Intestines: Tubular organs in the abdomen involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients; includes both small intestine and large intestine.