Abdominal Quadrants, Regions, and Major Structures

Flashcards cover abdominal quadrants, regions, lines, landmarks, and major organs referenced in the notes.

Right upper quadrant

The abdominal quadrant on the right side, typically located above the subcostal line.

Left upper quadrant

The abdominal quadrant on the left side, typically located above the subcostal line.

Right lower quadrant

The abdominal quadrant on the right side, typically located below the subcostal line.

Left lower quadrant

The abdominal quadrant on the left side, typically located below the subcostal line.

Hypochondriac region

One of the lateral upper abdominal regions located beneath the ribs.

Epigastric region

Upper central region of the abdomen above the stomach.

Lumbar region

Lateral middle regions of the abdomen near the lumbar spine.

Umbilical region

Central region surrounding the navel (umbilicus).

Inguinal region

Lower lateral region near the groin.

Hypogastric region

Lower central region of the abdomen, below the umbilicus.

Midclavicular line

An imaginary vertical line that passes through the midpoint of each clavicle, used to separate left and right portions of the abdomen.

Subcostal line

A horizontal line drawn below the lowest rib, used to divide the upper and lower abdominal areas.

Intertubercular line

A horizontal line crossing the abdomen at the level of the iliac tubercles, used to separate superior and inferior abdominal regions.

Anterior superior spine

Anterior superior iliac spine, a bony landmark on the pelvis.

10th rib

The tenth rib, used as a surface landmark for locating abdominal regions.

Stomach

A sac-like organ in the upper abdomen where digestion begins (food storage and chemical digestion).

Liver

A large organ in the right upper abdomen that processes nutrients and produces bile.

Gallbladder

An organ under the liver that stores and concentrates bile.

Small intestine

The long, coiled section of the digestive tract where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Large intestine

The portion of the digestive tract that absorbs water and forms feces.

Urinary bladder

A hollow organ in the pelvis that stores urine until elimination.

Urethra

The duct through which urine exits the body from the bladder.