Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

• The abdominopelvic region is divided into four quadrants based on two perpendicular lines that intersect at the umbilicus (navel).

Quadrants

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Upper Quadrants

• RUQ: Contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and part of the small intestine.

• LUQ: Contains organs such as the stomach, spleen, and part of the pancreas.

Lower Quadrants

• RLQ: Contains the appendix, right ovary (female), and parts of the small intestines.

• LLQ: Contains the left ovary (female) and parts of the colon.

Anatomical Regions

• The abdomen can also be subdivided into distinct anatomical regions that help identify specific areas more precisely.

Key Regions

• Hypochondriac Regions: Upper left and upper right portions of the abdomen.

• Epigastric Region: The area between the two hypochondriac regions, located above the stomach.

• Umbilical Region: The central region around the umbilicus.

• Lateral (Lumber) Regions: Located to the left and right of the umbilical region, commonly referred to as the flanks.

• Inguinal Regions: Located in the lower left and right quadrants, commonly associated with the groin.

• Hypogastric Region: The area below the umbilical region located in the lower central part of the abdomen.

Lines and Divisions

• Midclavicular Lines: Vertical lines that run through the midpoint of the clavicles, dividing the abdomen into sections.

• Subcostal Line: A horizontal line that connects the lowest ribs and helps define the upper abdominal regions.

• Intertubercular Line: Another horizontal line located at the level of the iliac tubercles, helping to delineate the lower abdominal regions.