Abdominal Anatomy Quiz

The abdominal cavity is the superior and major part of the abdominopelvic cavity, extending between the thoracic diaphragm and pelvic diaphragm.

The abdominal cavity lacks a physical floor and is continuous with the pelvic cavity.

The plane of the pelvic inlet arbitrarily divides the abdominal and pelvic cavities, but there's no physical separation.

The abdominal cavity extends superiorly into the thoracic cage, reaching the 4th intercostal space, offering protection to organs like the spleen, liver, kidneys, and stomach.

The greater pelvis provides support and partial protection to the lower abdominal organs, including the ileum, cecum, appendix, and sigmoid colon.

The dynamic abdominal wall contracts to increase pressure and expands to accommodate changes like ingestion, pregnancy, or fat deposition.

The peritoneum is a serous membrane that covers the anterolateral abdominal wall and internal organs, creating a lined potential space called the peritoneal cavity.

The peritoneal cavity is a space between the abdominal wall and viscera, containing a small amount of fluid for lubrication.

The abdominal cavity is the space within the torso, extending from the diaphragm to the pelvic inlet, containing vital organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.

The nine regions of the abdomen are delineated by four planes: two sagittal (vertical) and two transverse (horizontal). These regions help describe the location of organs, pains, or pathologies.

The midclavicular planes are sagittal planes that pass from the midpoint of the clavicles down to the midinguinal points.

The subcostal plane is a transverse plane that runs through the inferior border of the 10th costal cartilage on each side.

The transtubercular plane is a transverse plane that passes through the iliac tubercles and the L5 vertebra.

The transpyloric plane is a transverse plane that runs midway between the superior border of the manubrium and the pubic symphysis, typically at the L1 vertebral level.

The interspinous plane is a transverse plane that goes through the easily palpated anterior superior iliac spines on each side.

The four quadrants of the abdomen aid in describing the location of organs for examination. These quadrants are formed by the transverse transumbilical plane and the vertical median plane.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is a musculo-aponeurotic structure extending from the thoracic cage to the pelvis, comprised of anterior, lateral, and posterior components. It supports and protects the abdominal cavity.

The posterior wall of the abdomen includes the lumbar region of the vertebral column, providing support and serving as an attachment point for back muscles.

Organs that are completely enclosed within the peritoneal sac, like the stomach and spleen. They have visceral peritoneum covering their surfaces and are connected to the abdominal wall by a mesentery.

Organs that are located outside the peritoneal cavity and only partially covered by peritoneum, like the kidneys and urinary bladder.

Organs that lie between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, with peritoneum only on their anterior surface, like the kidneys.

Organs that have parietal peritoneum only on their superior surface, like the urinary bladder.

A thin, transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers internal organs. It consists of two layers: parietal and visceral peritoneum.

The potential space between the parietal and visceral layers of peritoneum, containing a small amount of peritoneal fluid.

A thin film of fluid found in the peritoneal cavity, composed of water, electrolytes, and other substances. It lubricates organs to reduce friction and aid in digestion.

A double layer of peritoneum that connects intraperitoneal organs to the abdominal wall, containing vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

The process by which intraperitoneal organs develop and are covered with visceral peritoneum, resulting in their specific location within the peritoneal cavity.

The initial stage of embryonic development where the gut undergoes significant growth, leading to the development of the peritoneal cavity.

The state of the peritoneal cavity being entirely closed in males, with no communication to the exterior.

The connection between the peritoneal cavity and the exterior in females through the uterus, uterine tubes, and vagina, creating a potential pathway for infection.

The ability of intraperitoneal organs with mesentery to move due to varying lengths of the mesentery, allowing for digestion and other functions.

The need for visceral peritoneum covering the liver and spleen, even though they don't change shape intrinsically, to accommodate passive changes in position caused by the adjacent diaphragm.

The vessels, nerves, and lymphatics connecting intraperitoneal organs to their sources or destinations, residing within the mesentery.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is bounded superiorly by the 7th-10th rib cartilages and the xiphoid process of the sternum, and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament and the superior margins of the pelvic girdle (iliac crests, pubic crests, and pubic symphysis).

The anterolateral abdominal wall consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue (superficial fascia), muscles and their aponeuroses, deep fascia, extraperitoneal fat, and parietal peritoneum.

The skin of the anterolateral abdominal wall is loosely attached to the subcutaneous tissue, except at the umbilicus, where it adheres firmly.

The anterolateral abdominal wall has three musculotendinous layers with fibers running in different directions, similar to the intercostal spaces in the thorax.

The peritoneum is a continuous, transparent serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering the viscera.

The peritoneum has two continuous layers: the parietal peritoneum lining the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum covering the organs.

The parietal peritoneum is sensitive to pressure, pain, heat, cold, and laceration, and pain is generally well localized.

The visceral peritoneum is insensitive to touch, heat, cold, and laceration but sensitive to stretching and chemical irritation, resulting in poorly localized pain.

Pain from the parietal peritoneum is generally well localized, except for the inferior surface of the diaphragm, where it is referred to the shoulder (C3-C5 dermatomes).

Pain from the visceral peritoneum is poorly localized and referred to the midline dermatomes of the spinal ganglia that provide sensory fibers.

Intraperitoneal organs are almost completely covered by visceral peritoneum (e.g., stomach, spleen).

Intraperitoneal does not mean inside the peritoneal cavity, though it's used clinically for substances injected into this cavity.

The relationship of viscera with the peritoneum determines their location and interactions within the abdominopelvic cavity.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is responsible for regulating the volume of the abdominal cavity, playing a vital role in processes like respiration, defecation, urination, and childbirth.

A double layer of peritoneum that forms when an organ invaginates into the peritoneum. It acts as a continuous pathway for neurovascular connections between the organ and the body wall.

It connects an organ located within the peritoneal cavity (intraperitoneal) to the body wall, usually the posterior abdominal wall.

It becomes fused to the parietal peritoneum, gradually disappearing in the process. This happens due to pressure from other growing organs pushing the mesentery against the body wall.

A double-layered fold of peritoneum that extends from the stomach and duodenum to other organs in the abdominal cavity. They are vital for organ support and communication.

It's a large, four-layered peritoneal fold hanging from the greater curvature of the stomach. It descends first, folds back, and attaches to the anterior surface of the transverse colon and its mesentery.

It's a smaller, double-layered peritoneal fold that connects the lesser curvature of the stomach and duodenum to the liver. It also connects the stomach to structures connecting the duodenum and liver.

The process where organs initially located within the peritoneal cavity become attached to the posterior abdominal wall and are covered by peritoneum only on their anterior surface.

These are connective tissue planes formed by fused layers of peritoneum. They hold nerves and vessels for the organs they surround.

It is characterized by the fusion of the mesentery to the parietal peritoneum during development. This results in covering only the anterior surface of the colon with peritoneum.

These areas are potential spaces created by the folds and attachments of the peritoneum within the peritoneal cavity.

It is a potential space located between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum. It is a crucial space for organ movement and lubrication.

The peritoneal cavity is a highly convoluted space due to its large surface area relative to the outer body surface. This is necessary to provide a smooth surface for organ movement within the abdominal cavity.

They serve as pathways for nerves and blood vessels to reach the organs within the peritoneal cavity, ensuring communication between the organs and the body wall.

Most of the gastrointestinal tract is covered in peritoneum, allowing for movement and flexibility. It is essential for digestion, absorption, and waste elimination within the abdominal cavity.

It houses the greater part of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and associated organs. It supports and protects these organs while facilitating their proper function.

A double layer of peritoneum that connects organs to each other or to the abdominal wall.

The falciform ligament connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall.

The hepatogastric ligament connects the liver to the stomach and is part of the lesser omentum.

The hepatoduodenal ligament connects the liver to the duodenum and is the thickened edge of the lesser omentum.

The gastrophrenic ligament attaches the stomach to the inferior surface of the diaphragm.

The gastrosplenic ligament connects the stomach to the spleen.

The gastrocolic ligament connects the stomach to the transverse colon and is part of the greater omentum.

The portal triad is made up of three important structures in the liver: the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct.

The omental bursa is a space located behind the lesser omentum and stomach

The greater peritoneal sac is the main and larger part of the peritoneal cavity.

The lesser peritoneal sac is a smaller space separated from the greater peritoneal sac behind the stomach.

The peritoneal cavity is lined by a membrane called the peritoneum.

The peritoneum is divided into parietal and visceral layers.

The point where the esophagus is narrowed by the arch of the aorta, approximately 22.5 cm from the incisor teeth.

The point where the esophagus is narrowed by the left main bronchus, approximately 27.5 cm from the incisor teeth.

The point where the esophagus is narrowed by the cricopharyngeal muscle, located at the pharyngo-esophageal junction.

The point where the esophagus passes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm, approximately 40 cm from the incisor teeth.

The median partition of the thoracic cavity, which houses the heart and major blood vessels.

The layer of connective tissue that surrounds the esophagus in the chest cavity.

The thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity.

The external layer of muscle in the esophagus, which is responsible for longitudinal movement.

The internal layer of muscle in the esophagus, which is responsible for circular movement.

The innermost lining of the esophagus, which is made up of folds of tissue.

The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

The point where the esophagus joins the stomach.

The nerve plexus that surrounds the distal portion of the esophagus.

The type of muscle found in the superior third of the esophagus, which is under voluntary control.

The type of muscle found in the inferior third of the esophagus, which is not under voluntary control.

The expanded part of the digestive tract between the esophagus and small intestine, specialized for food storage, chemical and mechanical digestion, and preparing food for passage into the duodenum.

The part of the stomach surrounding the opening from the esophagus. It helps prevent food from backing up into the esophagus.

The top, dome-shaped part of the stomach, extending superiorly to the cardia. It's often expanded by gas, fluid, or food.

The main central part of the stomach between the fundus and the pyloric antrum. It's where the majority of food is mixed and churned.

The funnel-shaped outflow region of the stomach, leading into the duodenum and helping regulate the flow of food.

The thickened muscular ring at the end of the pyloric part of the stomach, regulating the flow of food into the duodenum.

The process of converting a mass of food into a semi-liquid mixture in the stomach by mixing with gastric juice.

The semi-liquid mixture of food and gastric juice that passes from the stomach into the duodenum.

A condition where stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, often causing heartburn or regurgitation.

The arterial supply for the abdominal part of the oesophagus provided by two important arteries.

The process of the venous drainage of the abdominal portion of the esophagus, involving both the portal and systemic venous systems.

The lymphatic drainage pattern for the abdominal part of the esophagus, involving a key set of lymph nodes.

The network of nerves responsible for innervation of the esophagus, formed by branches of the vagus nerves and sympathetic trunks.

The nerve branches that accompany the esophagus through the esophageal hiatus and distribute to the stomach.

The sympathetic nerve fibers from the celiac plexus that distribute to the stomach and abdominal esophagus.

The omental bursa lies posterior to the stomach and lesser omentum, separated from the greater sac by the lesser omentum.

The omental bursa is also known as the lesser sac, a potential space in the abdominal cavity.

The transverse mesocolon, the mesentery of the transverse colon, divides the abdominal cavity into two compartments: the supracolic and infracolic compartments.

The supracolic compartment is above the transverse mesocolon, containing the stomach, liver, and spleen.

The infracolic compartment, located below the transverse mesocolon, contains the small intestine and ascending and descending colon.

The infracolic compartment is further divided into right and left infracolic spaces by the mesentery of the small intestine.

The paracolic gutters are grooves between the ascending or descending colon and the posterolateral abdominal wall, allowing free communication between the supracolic and infracolic compartments.

The omental bursa is an extensive pouch located posterior to the stomach, lesser omentum, and surrounding structures, with a superior recess and an inferior recess.

The superior recess of the omental bursa is bounded by the diaphragm and the coronary ligament of the liver, while the inferior recess lies between the layers of the greater omentum.

The omental bursa allows for smooth movement of the stomach by facilitating sliding between its anterior and posterior walls.

The inferior recess usually becomes sealed off from the main part of the omental bursa due to adherence of the anterior and posterior layers of the greater omentum.

The omental bursa communicates with the greater sac through the omental foramen, an opening found posterior to the free edge of the lesser omentum.

The omental foramen is located by tracing a finger along the gallbladder to the free edge of the lesser omentum.

The omental foramen is typically large enough to accommodate two fingers, bordered by the hepatoduodenal ligament, IVC, and other structures.

The esophagus is a muscular tube approximately 25 cm long, with an average diameter of 2 cm, conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.

The esophagus normally has three constrictions due to impressions from adjacent structures, as seen during fluoroscopy after a barium swallow.

The superior opening of the stomach, connecting it to the esophagus.

The large, dome-shaped upper region of the stomach, located superiorly to the cardia.

The main central region of the stomach, responsible for mixing and churning food with gastric juices.

The lower, narrower section of the stomach, connecting it to the duodenum.

A muscular valve that controls the flow of food from the stomach into the small intestine.

The opening of the pyloric canal into the duodenum.

The concave, shorter, right border of the stomach.

The convex, longer, left border of the stomach.

The inferior part of the lesser curvature, indicating the junction of the body and pyloric part of the stomach.

A groove like fold along the lesser curvature, formed during swallowing, that helps drain saliva and food towards the pyloric canal.

The inner lining of the stomach, composed of folds called rugae

Longitudinal ridges or wrinkles in the gastric mucosa, more prominent near the pyloric part and along the greater curvature.

A double layer of peritoneum that extends from the lesser curvature of the stomach to the liver and diaphragm.

A large, fatty apron of peritoneum that hangs from the greater curvature of the stomach, covering most of the abdominal organs.

The space behind the stomach, formed by the lesser omentum and the greater omentum.

The first and shortest part of the small intestine, measuring approximately 25 cm, also known as the "breadth of 12 fingers". It is the widest and most fixed part of the small intestine.

The point where the duodenum connects to the jejunum, located at the level of the L2 vertebra.

The superior part of the duodenum, short and lying anterolateral to the body of the L1 vertebra.

The part of the duodenum that descends along the right side of the vertebral column, anterior to the right psoas major muscle.

The part of the duodenum that crosses the vertebral column at the level of L3, passing horizontally behind the superior mesenteric artery and vein.

The part of the duodenum that ascends along the left side of the vertebral column to the level of L2.

The curved portion of the stomach that lies above the entry of the esophagus.

The junction between the esophagus and stomach.

A muscular valve that controls the outlet of the stomach into the duodenum.

The short region of the stomach connecting the pyloric sphincter to the pyloric antrum.

The wider portion of the stomach adjacent to the pyloric canal.

The wave-like contraction of the muscular wall of the stomach that helps propel food through the digestive system.

The duodenum's portion that ascends from the pylorus, partially covered by the liver and gallbladder, and has a mesentery only in its initial 2 cm (ampulla).

The duodenum's portion descending along the right side of the vertebral column, receiving the bile and pancreatic ducts, completely retroperitoneal.

The duodenum's portion running horizontally to the left, crossing the IVC, aorta, and L3 vertebra, and intersected by the superior mesenteric vessels.

The duodenum's shortest portion, ascending along the left side of the aorta, joining the jejunum at the duodenojejunal flexure, supported by the suspensory muscle.

A pouch located at the beginning of the duodenum, immediately distal to the pylorus, that is distinct on X-rays and has a mesentery, making it mobile.

Refers to the part of the duodenum that is attached to the posterior abdominal wall and lacks a mesentery, resulting in immobility.

A suspensory muscle that anchors the junction of the duodenum and jejunum, composed of skeletal muscle from the diaphragm and smooth muscle from the duodenum.

The union of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct, opening into the descending duodenum via the major duodenal papilla.

A small protrusion in the descending duodenum where the hepatopancreatic ampulla opens.

An extension of the head of the pancreas that passes posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels.

Arteries arising from the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery that supply the duodenum.

The transition in blood supply to the digestive tract, occurring between the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery.

Veins that follow the arteries of the duodenum and drain into the hepatic portal vein, directly or indirectly.

Lymphatic vessels that follow the duodenal arteries and drain into the pancreaticoduodenal and pyloric lymph nodes.

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is the main blood supply to the small intestine, arising from the abdominal aorta near the L1 vertebra, just below the mesentery.

The mesentery is a double-layered fold of visceral peritoneum that suspends the small intestines and carries blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels to the intestines.

The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine, characterized by a deeper red color, thicker walls and a greater blood supply compared to the ileum.

The ileum is the final part of the small intestine, distinguished by a paler pink color, thinner walls, and less blood supply compared to the jejunum.

The circular folds, also known as plicae circulares, are prominent ridges found in the jejunum that increase the surface area for absorption. They are tall, closely packed, and help in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Peyer's Patches are clusters of lymphatic tissue found in the ileum which play a crucial role in immune response and protection against pathogens.

The vasa recta are straight arteries that supply blood to the small intestine. They branch off from the arterial arcades, which are networks of interconnected arteries that encircle the jejunum and ileum.

The arterial arcades are networks of interconnected arteries that encircle the jejunum and ileum, providing blood supply to the intestines. They are more numerous and shorter in the ileum.

The root of the mesentery is the point where the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal wall, near the L2 vertebra. It is a crucial point for blood supply and nerve communication.

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) provides blood supply to most of the small intestine and the proximal part of the large intestine, including the cecum, appendix, ascending colon, and the transverse colon.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is shaped like a 'C' to surround the head of the pancreas.

The superior mesenteric vessels, lymph nodes, fat, and autonomic nerves are found between the two layers of the mesentery.

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) supplies blood to the jejunum and ileum through jejunal and ileal arteries.

The jejunum, the second part of the small intestine, begins at the duodenojejunal flexure where the GI tract becomes intraperitoneal.

The ileum, the third part of the small intestine, ends at the ileocecal junction, where it joins the cecum.

The jejunum is approximately two-fifths of the intraperitoneal small intestine, while the ileum is about three-fifths.

The root of the mesentery, roughly 15cm long, extends diagonally from left side of L2 to the ileocolic junction on the right.

Although there's no distinct line between the jejunum and ileum, they have distinct characteristics important for surgery.

The majority of the jejunum lies in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the infracolic compartment, while the ileum is mostly found in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen.

The jejunum and ileum are responsible for important functions in the digestive system, such as absorption of nutrients and digestion of food.

The mesentery is a fan-shaped fold of peritoneum that connects the jejunum and ileum to the posterior abdominal wall.

The root of the mesentery crosses the ascending and inferior duodenum, aorta, IVC, right ureter, right psoas major, and right testicular/ovarian vessels.

The terminal ileum typically sits in the pelvis, then ascends to the medial aspect of the cecum.

The cecum, the first part of the large intestine, receives the ileum at the ileocecal junction.

The superior mesenteric artery is the main blood supply for the jejunum and ileum, providing the nutrients and oxygen needed for their function.