Review of Abdomen Anatomy and Structures

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to the anatomy of the abdomen.

Traditional Approach

The study of an entire organ at one time.

Sectional Anatomy

The study of regions, focusing on anatomical relationships of all structures within a given region.

Transverse Plane

Also called the axial plane, it divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

Frontal Plane

Also known as the coronal plane, it separates the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Anatomical Position

A reference position where the person stands erect with feet together and palms facing anteriorly.

Directional Terms

Terms used to describe the relationship of one body part to another.

Dorsal Cavity

Protects the nervous system and is divided into cranial and spinal cavities.

Pleural Cavity

Surrounds and contains the lungs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Divided into the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity, containing various organs.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

One of the four quadrants of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Peritoneum

A multilayer membrane that holds organs in place within the abdominal cavity.

Mesentery

A fused double layer of the peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the abdominal wall.

Intraperitoneal

Refers to organs totally covered by visceral peritoneum.

Retroperitoneal

Refers to organs that lie posterior to the peritoneum.

Hexapod Anatomy

Describes the anatomy related to the liver, as outlined by Claude Couinaud.

Portal Triad

Includes the portal vein, bile duct, and hepatic artery.

Biliary System

The organs and ducts that make and store bile and release it into the small intestine.