6.1 Abdominal Anatomy

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the abdominal wall and cavity anatomy, including muscle functions, blood supply, and nerve innervation.

Abdominal cavity

The space bounded by the abdominal walls, diaphragm, and pelvic floor, containing various organs such as stomach and intestines.

Diaphragm

The muscle that forms the superior boundary of the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneum

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

Rectus abdominis

A vertical muscle in the abdominal wall that functions in trunk flexion.

External oblique

A flat muscle of the abdominal wall that flexes and rotates the trunk and compresses the abdomen.

Internal oblique

A flat muscle of the abdominal wall that also flexes and rotates the trunk ipsilaterally.

Transversus abdominis

The deepest muscle of the abdominal wall, responsible for compressing abdominal contents.

Psoas major

A muscle in the posterior abdominal wall that flexes the hip and trunk.

Iliopsoas

A combined term for the psoas major and iliacus muscles.

Inguinal canal

An oblique tunnel in the lower abdominal wall that transports structures like the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females.

Lumbar plexus

A network of nerves in the lumbar region that supplies the lower back, abdominal wall, and parts of the lower limbs.

Vas deferens

The duct that transports sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory duct.

Spermatic cord

A cord-like structure containing blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens in males.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Celiac trunk

A major artery that supplies blood to the abdominal organs.

Superior mesenteric artery

An artery that supplies blood to a large portion of the intestines.

Inferior mesenteric artery

An artery supplying blood to the distal part of the colon.