What are the boundaries of the abdominal cavity?

The abdominal cavity is bounded by the diaphragm as its roof, the pelvic inlet below (with no anatomical floor), and walls formed by muscles and bones. Key structures include the anterior abdominal muscles, vertebral column posteriorly, and iliac bones laterally.

What organs are located in the abdominal cavity?

It contains major organs of digestion, excretion, and reproduction, including peritoneal structures like the stomach and intestines, retroperitoneal structures like the kidneys, and midline structures like the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava.

How is the abdomen divided into nine regions for clinical purposes?

The abdomen is divided by two horizontal planes (transpyloric and intertubercular) and two vertical planes (midclavicular) into nine regions. These include the upper, middle, and lower regions, each associated with specific organs.

What is the shape of the abdominal cavity in cross-section?

In transverse section, the abdominal cavity is kidney-shaped due to the posterior protrusion of the vertebral column. In median section, it appears oblong and vertical.

What are the four quadrants of the abdomen?

For general clinical use, the abdomen is divided into four quadrants by a vertical median plane and a horizontal transumbilical plane: right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower quadrants.

What causes pain in specific abdominal regions?

Pain often results from inflammation or obstruction in organs located in those regions. For example, the right hypochondrium may have gallbladder issues, the epigastric region stomach problems, and the right iliac fossa appendicitis.

How does the abdominal cavity relate to the pelvic cavity?

The abdominal cavity communicates with the pelvic cavity at the pelvic brim, as it has no anatomical floor. This allows continuity between the two cavities, with organs like the bladder and uterus extending into the pelvic region.

Abdominal Cavity – Boundaries, Contents & 9 Regions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions