Abdomen Anatomy and Assessment

These flashcards cover key anatomical terms, examination techniques, and assessments of the abdomen, providing essential vocabulary for understanding abdominal anatomy and clinical evaluations.

Abdomen

The part of the body that extends from the chest to the pelvis, containing organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines.

Peritoneum

A serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.

Costovertebral angle

The angle formed by the lower rib cage and the vertebral column, important in the examination of the kidneys.

Ascites

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often tested for via percussion.

Murphy’s Sign

A clinical test used to diagnose cholecystitis, assessing for pain when palpating the liver during inspiration.

McBurney Point Tenderness

A point of tenderness located in the right lower quadrant, indicative of appendicitis.

Borborygmus

The rumbling or gurgling noise made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines.

Hepatitis

Viral inflammation of the liver, with types including Hepatitis B and C which can be acute or chronic.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, often assessed in subjective patient interviews regarding abdominal health.

Lactase

A digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose, with its deficiency leading to lactose intolerance.