Abdomen & Pelvis – Anatomy and Clinical Vocabulary

105 English vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, blood supply, innervation, histology, and clinical correlations of the abdomen, pelvis, and male reproductive system.

Cremaster Muscle

Muscle derived from the internal oblique that elevates the testis; innervated by the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.

Cremasteric Reflex

Superficial reflex in males in which stroking the inner thigh (afferent: femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve) causes testicular elevation (efferent: genital branch).

Nine Regions of the Abdomen

Right/left hypochondriac, epigastric, right/left lumbar, umbilical, right/left iliac, hypogastric regions used for surface anatomy.

External Abdominal Oblique

Most superficial lateral abdominal muscle; contributes to inguinal ligament; innervated by lower 6 intercostal nerves + L1.

Internal Abdominal Oblique

Intermediate lateral abdominal muscle; contributes cremaster fibers; innervated by lower 6 intercostal nerves + L1.

Transverse Abdominis

Deepest lateral abdominal muscle; compresses abdominal contents; innervated by lower 6 intercostal nerves + L1.

Rectus Abdominis

Vertical medial abdominal muscle inside rectus sheath; trunk flexor; innervated by lower 6 intercostal nerves + L1.

Pyramidalis

Small triangular muscle anterior to rectus abdominis; tenses linea alba; same nerve supply as other abdominal muscles.

Inguinal Ligament

Thickened inferior border of external oblique aponeurosis running ASIS → pubic tubercle.

Cryptorchidism

Failure of one/both testes to descend (≈5 % newborn males); ↑ risk of infertility & testicular cancer; corrected surgically 6–18 mo.

Hydrocele of the Cord

Excess fluid in tunica vaginalis causing scrotal swelling; often resolves, can be aspirated/excised if needed.

Rectus Sheath

Fibrous envelope surrounding rectus abdominis; contains rectus muscle, superior & inferior epigastric vessels, and lower 5 intercostal nerves including subcostal.

Inguinal Canal (Male)

Passage from deep to superficial inguinal rings containing the spermatic cord.

Inguinal Canal (Female)

Same passage transmitting the round ligament of uterus and lymphatics.

Spermatic Cord

Bundle containing ductus deferens, testicular vessels, pampiniform plexus, autonomic nerves, and fascial coverings.

Direct Inguinal Hernia

Herniation medial to inferior epigastric vessels through Hesselbach’s triangle; acquired, older men, low strangulation risk.

Indirect Inguinal Hernia

Herniation lateral to inferior epigastric vessels through entire inguinal canal; congenital/acquired, younger patients, high strangulation risk.

Intraperitoneal Organs

Organs suspended by mesentery (e.g., stomach, jejunum, liver, spleen, transverse colon).

Retroperitoneal Organs

Organs outside peritoneal cavity (e.g., kidneys, pancreas, duodenum parts 2–4, ascending/descending colon).

Lesser Sac (Omental Bursa)

Peritoneal pocket behind stomach allowing its mobility; collects pancreatic fluid or ulcer perforations.

Epiploic Foramen (Foramen of Winslow)

Connection between greater & lesser sacs; site of internal herniation; permits Pringle maneuver to clamp portal triad.

Greater Omentum

Fat-laden peritoneal fold from stomach’s greater curvature that isolates infections and cushions abdominal organs.

Peritoneal Spaces & Compartments

Potential recesses where fluid localizes (e.g., subphrenic space) affecting respiration and post-op mobilization.

Foregut

Esophagus → 2nd part of duodenum, liver, biliary system, pancreas; blood: celiac trunk; vagus & T5-T9 nerves.

Midgut

Duodenum (distal), jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending & proximal 2⁄3 transverse colon; blood: SMA; vagus & T9-T12.

Hindgut

Distal 1⁄3 transverse colon → upper anal canal; blood: IMA; parasymp S2-S4, symp L1-L2.

Celiac Trunk

First unpaired abdominal aortic branch supplying foregut via left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries.

Superior Mesenteric Artery

Second unpaired branch supplying midgut; crosses anterior to 3rd part duodenum.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Third unpaired branch supplying hindgut (descending colon to upper rectum).

Esophageal Varices

Dilated submucosal veins of distal esophagus from portal hypertension; risk massive hemorrhage.

Zenker’s Diverticulum

Pharyngoesophageal pseudodiverticulum causing dysphagia & halitosis; treated surgically.

Achalasia

Failure of LES relaxation due to myenteric plexus loss; dysphagia, aperistalsis, ↑ LES pressure.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Columnar metaplasia of distal esophageal squamous epithelium from chronic acid reflux; premalignant.

Gastric Pits

Surface invaginations in stomach mucosa leading into gastric glands.

Gastric Glands

Tubular glands in fundus/body containing chief, parietal, and mucous neck cells for digestive secretions.

Chief Cells

Basal gastric gland cells secreting pepsinogen (inactive protease precursor).

Parietal Cells

Large acid-secreting gastric cells producing HCl and intrinsic factor for vitamin B-12 absorption.

G Cells

Endocrine cells in pyloric antrum releasing gastrin to stimulate acid secretion & parietal-cell growth.

Histology Layers (GI Tube)

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and adventitia/serosa form wall of GI tract.

Gastric Rugae

Longitudinal mucosal folds allowing stomach expansion after meals.

Left Gastric Artery

Celiac branch along lesser curvature supplying stomach and lower esophagus.

Right Gastric Artery

Branch of common hepatic artery running on lesser curvature to anastomose with left gastric.

Short Gastric Arteries

Branches of splenic artery to fundus of stomach.

Right Gastroepiploic Artery

Branch of gastroduodenal artery along greater curvature supplying stomach & greater omentum.

Left Gastroepiploic Artery

Branch of splenic artery along greater curvature joining right gastroepiploic.

Vagotomy

Surgical cutting of vagal trunks to reduce acid secretion for refractory peptic ulcers.

Hemigastrectomy

Removal of half the stomach (Billroth I or II) to manage ulcers or malignancy and decrease acid.

Sliding Hiatal Hernia

Gastroesophageal junction & cardia slide into thorax through esophageal hiatus; causes reflux.

Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia

Fundus herniates beside esophagus; cardia remains; usually no reflux but risk strangulation.

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Congenital thickening of pyloric circular muscle causing projectile non-bilious vomiting; treated by pyloromyotomy.

Duodenal Cap

First, bulbous part of duodenum (T12-L1); common ulcer site.

Major Duodenal Papilla

Opening of common bile duct & main pancreatic duct in 2nd part duodenum.

Ampulla of Vater

Dilated union of bile & pancreatic ducts opening at major papilla; regulated by sphincter of Oddi.

Secretin

Duodenal hormone released by acid chyme; stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate, inhibits gastric acid.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Duodenal I-cell hormone responding to fats; triggers gallbladder contraction & pancreatic enzyme secretion.

Enterogastrone

Duodenal hormone that slows gastric peristalsis when fatty chyme present.

Submucosal Plexus (Meissner)

Enteric nerve network regulating GI secretion & local blood flow.

Myenteric Plexus (Auerbach)

Enteric nerve plexus between muscle layers coordinating gut motility.

Jejunum

Proximal 2⁄5 of small intestine; thick wall, long vasa recta, sparse fat, many plicae circulares; absorbs folate.

Ileum

Distal 3⁄5 small intestine; thin wall, short vasa recta, many arcades & Peyer’s patches; absorbs vitamin B-12.

Vasa Recta

Straight arterial branches from intestinal arcades supplying jejunum/ileum; longer in jejunum.

Peyer’s Patches

Aggregated lymphoid nodules in ileal mucosa/submucosa for immune surveillance.

Meckel’s Diverticulum

Persistence of vitelline duct on ileum (rule of 2s); may mimic appendicitis & cause bleeding.

Vermiform Appendix

Blind gut tube posteromedial to cecum; lymphoid organ; inflamed in appendicitis requiring appendectomy.

Marginal Artery of Drummond

Continuous arterial circle along colon formed by SMA & IMA branches ensuring collateral blood flow.

Pectinate Line

Anal canal landmark dividing visceral (internal hemorrhoids) and somatic (external hemorrhoids) territories.

Portocaval Anastomosis

Venous connections between portal & systemic systems; sites: esophagus, rectum, umbilicus; enlarge with portal hypertension.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Dilated superior rectal veins above pectinate line; visceral pain, often bleed.

External Hemorrhoids

Dilated inferior rectal veins below pectinate line; somatic pain, itchy.

Hirschsprung’s Disease

Congenital absence of enteric ganglia in distal colon leading to megacolon; linked to Down syndrome.

Glisson’s Triad

Portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct trio at liver lobule corners.

Disse’s Space

Perisinusoidal gap between hepatocytes & sinusoidal endothelium where exchange with blood occurs.

Ito Cells

Stellate cells in Disse’s space storing vitamin A; produce collagen in cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Chronic fibrosis & nodular regeneration destroying hepatic architecture; causes include alcohol & hepatitis.

Gallstones

Cholesterol or pigment stones formed by bile imbalance; risk factors: 5 F’s; may obstruct ampulla causing pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of pancreas often from gallstones or alcohol; severe abdominal pain and elevated enzymes.

Cystic Fibrosis

Autosomal-recessive CFTR defect causing thick secretions, pancreatic insufficiency, and recurrent lung infections.

Islets of Langerhans

Endocrine pancreatic clusters containing α, β, and δ cells regulating glucose homeostasis.

Alpha Cells

Pancreatic cells secreting glucagon to raise blood glucose.

Beta Cells

Pancreatic cells secreting insulin to lower blood glucose.

Delta Cells

Pancreatic cells producing somatostatin to inhibit insulin/glucagon secretion.

Howell-Jolly Bodies

Nuclear remnants removed by spleen; presence in RBCs indicates splenic dysfunction.

Nephron

Functional kidney unit filtering plasma, forming urine, and adjusting water & electrolytes.

Juxtaglomerular Complex

Apparatus (JG cells, macula densa) regulating renin release & blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Hormonal cascade raising blood pressure & sodium reabsorption initiated by renal renin.

Zona Glomerulosa

Outer adrenal cortex layer producing mineralocorticoids (aldosterone).

Zona Fasciculata

Middle adrenal cortex layer producing glucocorticoids (cortisol).

Zona Reticularis

Inner adrenal cortex layer secreting weak androgens.

Genital Branch of Genitofemoral Nerve

Motor supply to cremaster and sensory to scrotum/labia; part of lumbar plexus (L1-L2).

Femoral Branch of Genitofemoral Nerve

Sensory branch to upper anterior thigh; afferent limb of cremasteric reflex.

Lumbar Plexus

Nerve network (T12-L4) giving rise to iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and femoral nerves.

Leiomyoma

Benign estrogen-sensitive uterine smooth-muscle tumor (fibroid) that may enlarge in pregnancy.

Endometriosis

Ectopic endometrial tissue outside uterus causing cyclic pain and infertility.

Follicular Phase

First half of menstrual cycle (menses + proliferative) with estrogen-driven endometrial regeneration.

Luteal Phase

Second half of cycle after ovulation; progesterone from corpus luteum prepares endometrium, ends with menses if no pregnancy.

Pre-prostatic Urethra

Initial 1 cm segment inside bladder neck before prostate.

Prostatic Urethra

4 cm segment within prostate; widest urethral part with urethral crest & prostatic sinuses.

Membranous Urethra

Narrow, fixed segment passing external sphincter & perineal membrane; prone to injury.

Spongy (Penile) Urethra

15 cm segment within corpus spongiosum ending at external meatus.

Epididymis

Coiled duct on posterior testis where sperm mature and are stored.