DPT 6240 - Abdominal and Pelvic Anatomy

Abdominal and Pelvic Anatomy

Course Objectives

  1. Locate specific organs of the abdomen and pelvis via quadrants.

  2. Describe the function of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis.

  3. Identify structures and location in the female pelvic region.

  4. Identify structures and location in the male pelvic region.

  5. Identify the referred pain patterns of specific organs.

  6. Review the autonomic nervous system (ANS) anatomy in the abdomen and pelvis.

  7. Describe the contents of major organs in the quadrants.

  8. Identify referred pain patterns of all the major organs.

Abdominopelvic Cavities

The human body encompasses several cavities, divided mainly into:

  • Thoracic

  • Abdominal

  • Pelvic

  • Perineum

Body Cavities Overview

  • Thoracic Cavity: This cavity houses the heart and lungs.

  • Abdominal Cavity: Contains digestive organs, kidneys, and spleen.

  • Pelvic Cavity: Encloses reproductive organs, urinary bladder, and distal part of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Perineum: The region surrounding the external genitals and the anal area.

Anatomical Sections

  • Median Section: A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left halves.

  • Coronal Section: A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Anatomy of the Abdomen

Peritoneum

  • Visceral Peritoneum: Membrane covering the abdominal organs.

  • Parietal Peritoneum: Membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

  • Retroperitoneal Organs: Organs located behind the peritoneum (e.g., kidneys, pancreas).

  • Intraperitoneal Organs: Organs completely surrounded by peritoneum (e.g., stomach, liver).

Mesentery and Omentum

  • Mesentery: A fold of the peritoneum that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall.

  • Omentum: A fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach.

Organs in the Abdomen

The major organs located within the abdominal cavity include:

  • Stomach: Divided into Body and Pylorus.

  • Small Intestine: Comprising the Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum.

  • Large Intestine: Includes the Appendix, Cecum, Colon (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), Rectum, and Anal Canal.

  • Gallbladder: Stores bile produced by the liver.

  • Bile Duct: Conducts bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.

  • Spleen: Part of the immune system and involved in the filtering of blood.

  • Pancreas: Functions in digestion and hormone production, draining through the Pancreatic Duct.

  • Liver: Composed of 4 lobes; vital in detoxification, metabolism, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

  • Kidneys: Involved in waste filtration and balance of electrolytes.

  • Adrenal Glands: Produce hormones such as adrenaline.

Anatomical Regions and Quadrants of the Abdomen

Abdominal Regions

(A) The abdominal cavity can be divided into nine regions:

  • Right hypochondriac (RH)

  • Epigastric (E)

  • Left hypochondriac (LH)

  • Right lateral (lumbar) (RL)

  • Umbilical (U)

  • Left lateral (lumbar) (LL)

  • Right inguinal (groin) (RI)

  • Pubic (hypogastric) (P)

  • Left inguinal (groin) (LI)

Abdominal Quadrants

(B) The abdomen can also be divided into four quadrants:

  • Right upper quadrant (RUQ)

  • Left upper quadrant (LUQ)

  • Right lower quadrant (RLQ)

  • Left lower quadrant (LLQ)

Pelvic Cavity Anatomy

Abdominal and Pelvic Cavity Visualizations

  • Greater Pelvis: The portion of the pelvis above the pelvic brim, supporting abdominal organs.

  • Lesser Pelvis: The area below the pelvic brim and contains the pelvic organs.

  • Pelvic Cavity: Enclosed by the bones of the pelvis.

Genitourinary Systems

Male Genitourinary System

Key structures include:

  • Prostate

  • Penis

  • Scrotum/Testes

  • Bladder (includes Detrusor Muscle and Sphincters)

  • Ureters

  • Urethra

Female Genitourinary System

Key structures include:

  • Vagina

  • Ovaries

  • Uterine tubes

  • Uterus

  • Bladder (includes Detrusor Muscle and Sphincters)

  • Ureters

Referred Pain Patterns

Referred Pain from Abdominal Organs

  • Duodenum and Head of Pancreas

  • Gallbladder

  • Liver

  • Appendix

  • Cecum and Ascending Colon

Anterior View

  • Highlighted areas affected by irritation in organs like the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and diaphragm.

  • Affected areas also include the Stomach, Spleen, Small Intestine, and Sigmoid Colon.

Posterior View

  • Further correlations include areas affected by the Gallbladder, Liver, and other organs based on referred pain patterns.