Anatomy of the Lumbopelvic and Abdominal Regions

Core

Musculature supporting the trunk and pelvis.

Nine regions

Subdivision of the abdomen for pathology identification.

Four quadrants

Another method to divide the abdominal area.

LUQ

Left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

RUQ

Right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

RLQ

Right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix causing pain.

Peritoneum

Membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

Parietal peritoneum

Lines the abdominal wall internally.

Visceral peritoneum

Covers abdominal organs.

Inguinal canal

Passageway for spermatic cord and ligaments.

Inguinal hernia

Protrusion of tissue through abdominal wall.

Diastasis recti

Separation of rectus abdominis muscle.

Valsalva maneuver

Forced exhalation against a closed glottis.

Thoracoabdominal nerves

Innervate abdominal wall muscles.

Linea alba

Tendinous structure separating rectus abdominis.

Quadratus lumborum

Muscle aiding spine extension and lateral flexion.

Erector spinae

Intrinsic back muscles for spinal extension.

Abdominal aorta

Main artery supplying abdominal organs.

Inferior vena cava

Largest vein returning blood to the heart.

Hepatic portal vein

Drains blood from intestines to liver.

Pelvic floor musculature

Supports pelvic organs and maintains continence.

Levator ani

Muscle group supporting pelvic viscera.

Pudendal nerve

Innervates pelvic floor muscles.

Common iliac artery

Branches from abdominal aorta supplying pelvis.

Internal iliac artery

Supplies pelvic organs and sphincters.

External iliac artery

Supplies lower limb and abdominal wall.

Dermatomes

Skin areas innervated by specific spinal nerves.

Pulmonary embolism

Blood clot traveling to the lungs.