Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter

Clinicians may divide the abdomen into nine regions

For more accurate descriptive and diagnostic purposes

Use two vertical and three horizontal lines or planes

Horizontal planes (in descending order):

Subcostal plane: passes through the lower border of the 10th costal cartilage on either side

Sometimes the transpyloric plane is used instead of the subcostal; passes through the pylorus on the right and the tips of

the ninth costal cartilage on either side

Transumbilical plane: passes through the umbilicus at the level of the L3/4 intervertebral disc

Transtubercular (intertubercular) plane: passes through the tubercles of the iliac crests and the body of L5

Vertical planes

Right midclavicular line

Left midclavicular line

Pass from the midpoint of the clavicle to the midpoint of inguinal ligament.

These planes create nine abdominal regions:

Right and left hypochondriac regions, superiorly on either side

Right and left lumbar (flank) regions, centrally on either side

Right and left inguinal (groin) regions, inferiorly on either side

Epigastric region superiorly and centrally

Umbilical region, with the umbilicus as its center

Hypogastric or suprapubic region, inferiorly and centrally

Descriptive quadrants and regions are essential in clinical practice

Each area represents certain visceral structures

Allow correlation of pain and referred pain from these areas to specific organs.

Regions and quadrants are palpated, percussed, and auscultated during clinical examination

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Contents of the Abdominal Quadrants

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) Left Upper Quadrant (lUQ)

Liver (right lobe)

Gallbladder

Pylorus (of stomach)

Duodenum (parts 1 through 3)

Pancreas (head)

Right kidney and suprarenal gland

Colon: distal ascending colon, hepatic flexure and right half

of transverse colon

Liver (left lobe)

Spleen

Stomach

Jejunum and proximal ileum

Pancreas (body and tail)

Left kidney and suprarenal gland

Colon: left half of transverse colon, splenic flexure and superior part

of descending colon

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Majority of ileum

Cecum with vermiform appendix

Proximal ascending colon

Proximal right ureter

Distal descending colon

Sigmoid colon

Left ureter

Ovaries

Uterine tubes

Right and left ductus deferens

Uterus (if enlarged)

Urinary bladder (if full, especially in women)