Anatomy of the Anterior Abdominal Wall

Vocabulary flashcards to help students review key terms and concepts related to the anterior abdominal wall anatomy.

Transpyloric plane

An imaginary horizontal plane passing through the midpoint of the line joining the jugular notch to the symphysis pubis.

Scarpa's fascia

The deep membranous layer of superficial fascia of the abdomen.

McBurney's point

A point on the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, useful for locating the appendix.

Cremasteric reflex

Reflex contraction of the cremaster muscle that elevates the testis.

Caput medusae

An abnormality in portal hypertension, where veins near the umbilicus are engorged.

Umbilicus

A scar in the midline of the abdomen representing the site of attachment of the umbilical cord.

Rectus sheath

An aponeurotic sheath that encloses the rectus abdominis muscle.

Linea semilunaris

A vertical curved furrow extending from the tip of the ninth costal cartilage to the pubic tubercle.

Inferior epigastric artery

A branch of the external iliac artery supplying the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall.

Superior epigastric artery

A continuity of the internal thoracic artery supplying the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall.

Rectus abdominis muscle

A vertical muscle extending along the front of the abdomen.

Fibrous raphe

A fibrous structure that joins the two sides of the rectus abdominis in the midline.

Lateral cutaneous nerves

Nerves that supply sensory function to the lateral aspect of the abdominal wall.

Iliac crest

The upper border of the ilium, forming the superior limit of the lateral abdominal wall.

Subcostal plane

An imaginary horizontal plane passing below the costal margin.

Intertubercular plane

An imaginary horizontal plane joining the tubercles of the iliac crests.

Arcuate line

A curved line indicating a transition in the rectus sheath, at which point the posterior wall is deficient.

Midaxillary line

An imaginary vertical line that runs from the axilla down the side of the abdomen.

External oblique muscle

A large flat muscle on the lateral anterior abdominal wall.

Internal oblique muscle

A muscle located beneath the external oblique muscle with fibers running perpendicular to it.

Transversus abdominis muscle

The innermost abdominal muscle with horizontal fibers providing support.

Pyramidalis

A small triangular muscle lying deep to the rectus abdominis.

Spermatic cord

A cord of tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that supplies the testis.

Inguinal ligament

A ligament running from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle.

Iliopubic tract

A thickened inferior margin of the fascia transversalis in the inguinal region.

Deep circumflex iliac artery

An artery that supplies the lateral aspect of the abdominal wall.

Fascia transversalis

A layer of fascia that lines the inner surface of the transversus abdominis.

Inferior epigastric vein

A vein accompanying the inferior epigastric artery, draining blood from the lower abdomen.

Superior epigastric vein

A vein accompanying the superior epigastric artery, draining blood from the upper abdomen.

Incisional hernia

A hernia occurring at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Epigastric hernia

A hernia occurring through the upper part of the linea alba.

Inguinal hernia

A protrusion of abdominal viscera through the inguinal canal.

Umbilical hernia

A protrusion through the umbilical ring.

Hernial sac

The peritoneal sac that contains separated tissue or viscera from the abdominal cavity.

Neck of hernia

The opening through which a hernia protrudes.

Strangulated hernia

A hernia that has its blood supply compromised, leading to tissue necrosis.

Divarication of recti

Separation of the rectus abdominis muscle, commonly seen in postpartum women.

Cutaneous nerves (T7-T12)

Nerves that innervate the abdominal wall.

Dermatomes

Regions of skin supplied by specific spinal nerves.

Langer's lines

Cleavage lines in the skin important in surgical incisions.

Thoracolumbar fascia

A layer of connective tissue providing support to the abdominal wall.

Superficial fascia

The layer of tissue beneath the skin that contains fat.

Camper's fascia

The superficial fatty layer of abdominal superficial fascia.

Lateral spinal nerves (L1)

Nerves supplying the lower part of the abdominal wall.

Sacroiliac joint

The joint between the sacrum and the ilium.

Midline incision

An incision made along the linea alba, commonly used in surgeries.

Secondary inguinal hernia

A hernia that occurs due to weakened structures from surgery.

Hereditary factors

Genetics affecting the risk of hernias.

Surgical anatomy

The anatomy as it applies to surgical procedures.

Abdominal examination

Clinical examination of the abdomen through palpation.

Access to abdominal cavity

Gaining entry to the abdominal space for surgical purposes.

Malformations of umbilicus

Abnormal developmental conditions affecting the umbilical area.

Fluid accumulation in peritoneum

Pathological fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity.

Assessment for abdominal pain

Clinically evaluating the abdomen to determine the source of pain.