NI

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.