How many abdominal regions are there

URL of Article. Abdominal surface anatomy can be described when viewed from in front of the abdomen in 2 ways: divided into 9 regions by two vertical and two horizontal imaginary planes divided into 4 quadrants by single vertical and horizontal imaginary planes These regions and quadrants are of clinical importance when examining and describing pathologies related to the abdomen Nine abdominal regions Horizontal planes The dividing planes are based on lines drawn between easily palpable bony points.

The two horizontal lines are: subcostal plane corresponds to a line drawn joining the lower most bony point of the rib cage, usually 10 th costal cartilage body of the L3 vertebra; the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery and 3 rd part of the duodenum lie on this plane transtubercular plane corresponds to a line uniting the two tubercles of the iliac crests upper border of the L5 vertebra and the confluence of the common iliac veins i.

IVC origin lie on this plane Vertical planes The two vertical planes are similar on each side and follow a line joining the mid clavicular point to the mid inguinal point.

Surface anatomy The above lines intersect and divide the abdomen into nine regions clockwise from the top : epigastric region epigastrium left hypochondrium LHC left lumbar region left flank left iliac fossa LIF suprapubic hypogastric region right iliac fossa RIF right lumbar region right flank right hypochondrium RHC and in the center, the umbilical region Four abdominal quadrants Horizontal plane The dividing plane is a horizontal line drawn through the umbilicus.

Vertical plane The vertical line is down the midline of the body, overlying the linea alba from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis. Quiz questions. Susan Standring. Gray's Anatomy. Related articles: Anatomy: Abdominopelvic. Promoted articles advertising. Figure 1: 9 regions creative commons illustration Figure 1: 9 regions creative commons illustration. Figure 2: 4 quadrants creative commons illustration Figure 2: 4 quadrants creative commons illustration.

Loading more images Close Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Loading Stack - 0 images remaining. The epigastric region of the abdomen contains the stomach, liver, pancreas, duodenum, and adrenal glands.

The suprapubic region of the abdomen contains the bladder, sigmoid colon, rectum, and uterus. Organization of the abdomen in this manner allows for universal communication among healthcare providers and aids in differential diagnoses. If you want to improve your understanding of key concepts in medicine, and improve your clinical skills, make sure to register for a free trial account , which will give you access to free videos and downloads.

Acute Care and Trauma Surgeon at St. Abdominal Examination Clinical Guide. What are the anatomical regions and quadrants of the abdomen? Written by Olutayo A. Sogunro, DO. Edited by Shelley Jacobs, PhD. The nine anatomical regions of the abdomen From superior to inferior, the abdomen is divided into nine regions: Epigastric Umbilical Hypogastric e.

Midline anatomical regions: epigastric, umbilical, and hypogastric There are three anatomical regions in the midline of the abdomen. Bilateral anatomical regions: hypochondriac, lumbar, and iliac Each bilateral anatomical region has an associated right and left side.

The four quadrants of the abdomen The abdomen can also be divided into four quadrants, known as the right upper, the left upper, the right lower, and the left lower quadrants. The two planes of the abdomen The four quadrants of the abdominal wall are used for general clinical descriptions.

Organs in the nine regions of the abdomen It is important to know the anatomical regions and quadrants of the abdomen to correlate the pain to the organs contained in each area. Recommended reading. It also contains the transverse colon the section between the ascending and descending colons and the bottom portions of both the left and right kidney. The right iliac region contains the appendix, cecum, and the right iliac fossa.

It is also commonly referred to as the right inguinal region. Pain in this area is generally associated with appendicitis. The left illiac region contains part of the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the left illiac fossa. It is also commonly called the left inguinal region.

The hypogastric region below the stomach contains the organs around the pubic bone. These include bladder, part of the sigmoid colon, the anus, and many organs of the reproductive system, such as the uterus and ovaries in females and the prostate in males. Learning Objectives Distinguish among the abdominopelvic regions of the body.

Key Points The abdominopelvic cavity can be subdivided into four quadrants and nine areas. The quadrants are labeled by location: the right upper, right lower, left upper, and left lower quadrants.

The nine regions are smaller than the four abdominopelvic quadrants and include the right hypochondriac, right lumbar, right illiac, epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric or pubic , left hypochondriac, left lumbar, and left illiac divisions.

The perineum is sometimes considered to be the tenth division. The purpose of the abdominal divisions is to describe regional anatomy in the abdomen, and to help clinicians determine which organ and tissues are involved in a disease based on which regions experience pain.

Key Terms left upper quadrant : The left upper quadrant is the location of the left portion of the liver, the larger portion of the stomach, the pancreas, left kidney, spleen, portions of the transverse and descending colon, and parts of the small intestine.

Right upper quadrant : The right upper quadrant contains the right portion of the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, a small portion of the stomach, portions of the ascending and transverse colon, and parts of the small intestine. Abdominal Four Quadrants The abdominopelvic region can be divided into four quadrants. Right Upper Quadrant The right upper quadrant contains the right portion of the liver, the gallbladder, right kidney, a small portion of the stomach, the duodenum, the head of the pancreas, portions of the ascending and transverse colon, and parts of small intestine.

Left Upper Quadrant The left upper quadrant is the location of the left portion of the liver, part of the stomach, the pancreas, left kidney, spleen, portions of the transverse and descending colon, and parts of the small intestine. Right Lower Quadrant In the right lower quadrant sits the cecum, appendix, part of the small intestines, the right half of the female reproductive system, and the right ureter. Left Lower Quadrant The left lower quadrant houses the majority of the small intestine, some of the large intestine, the left half of the female reproductive system, and the left ureter.

Abdominal Nine Divisions The nine divisions of the abdominopelvic region are smaller than the four quadrants, allowing for a more detailed discussion. Right Hypochondriac The right hypochondriac region contains the right portion of the liver, the gallbladder, the right kidney, and parts of the small intestine.