[Plate 242, Regions and Planes of Abdomen]Abdomen: General description
Lies between the diaphragm and the pelvic inlet.
Is the largest cavity in the body and is continuous with the pelvic cavity.
Lined with parietal peritoneum, a serous membrane
Bounded superiorly by the diaphragm
Has a concave dome
Spleen, liver, part of the stomach, and part of the kidneys lies under the dome and are protected by the lower ribs and costal
cartilages.
Lower extent lies in the greater pelvis
Between the ala or wings of the ilia
Ileum, cecum, and sigmoid colon thus partly protected
Anterior and lateral walls composed of muscle
Viscera in these areas are more likely to be damaged by blunt force and penetrating injuries.
Posterior wall comprised of vertebral column, the lower ribs, and associated muscles
Protect the abdominal contents.Bony landmarks of the abdomen
Xiphoid process
Lower six costal cartilages
Anterior ends of the lower six ribs (ribs 7 to 12) (Section 3-3: Thorax-Body Wall)
Lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5)
Pelvis
Iliac crest
Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
Anterior inferior iliac spine
Pubic symphysis
Pubic crest and pubic tubercleAbdomen: Topographical anatomy
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