Anterior Abdominal Wall Anatomy and Planes

A vertical line that runs down the middle of the body, bisecting it into left and right halves.

A vertical line that runs parallel to the long axis of the body, passing through the middle of the clavicle (collarbone).

A horizontal line that runs across the body at the level of the iliac crests, marking the location of the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5).

The point where the Transtubercular plane and the right midclavicular line intersect.

A horizontal line that runs across the body at the level of the L5 vertebra, passing through the anterior superior iliac spines.

A horizontal line that runs across the body at the level of the pylorus, marking the boundary between the stomach and the duodenum.

A horizontal line that runs across the body at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra.

An imaginary vertical line that runs down the body, parallel to the median plane.

The line that runs vertically from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle.

The outermost edge of the rectus abdominis muscle, marking its lateral boundary.

The nine regions of the abdomen are defined by four horizontal and two vertical planes. They are named epigastric, umbilical, hypogastric, left and right hypochondriac, left and right lumbar, and left and right iliac.

An imaginary line that marks the outer edge of the two rectus abdominis muscles, located on either side of the abdomen.

Right and left vertical lines that run from the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis on each side of the body to the abdomen.

The area of the abdomen defined by the horizontal transumbilical plane (across the belly button) and the vertical median plane.

The right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen is located above the transumbilical plane and on the right side of the median plane.

The left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the abdomen is located above the transumbilical plane and on the left side of the median plane.

The right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen is located below the transumbilical plane and on the right side of the median plane.

The left lower quadrant (LLQ) of the abdomen is located below the transumbilical plane and on the left side of the median plane.

The outermost layer of the abdominal wall, it provides a protective barrier and houses sensory receptors.

A thin layer of fascia, it lies just beneath the skin and contains fat.

A thicker layer of fascia, it lies below Camper's fascia and also houses fat.

The first muscle layer of the abdominal wall, it runs downward and inward, helping with trunk rotation and flexion.

The second muscle layer of the abdominal wall, it runs upwards and inward, aiding in trunk flexion and rotation.

The deepest muscle layer of the abdominal wall, it runs horizontally across the abdomen, playing a role in compression and stabilization.

A thin layer of fascia, it surrounds the transversus abdominis muscle and provides support.

A connective tissue layer that separates the abdominal wall from the peritoneum.

A vertical cut through the midline of the abdominal skin, extending from the Xiphoid Process to the Pubic Symphysis. Care should be taken not to injure the superficial fascia.

A horizontal cut across the abdomen made at the superior end of the midline incision, extending to the midaxillary line on both sides.

Cuts along both pubic crests, extending below the inguinal ligament along the iliac crest to the anterior superior iliac spine.

The incision made to dissect the subcutaneous tissue, allowing for visualization of the underlying layers.

This section of the abdominal wall is where Scarpa's fascia is more prominent.

The process of reflecting (pulling back) the skin to expose the underlying structures.

The anterior abdominal wall extends from the rib cage, down to the pelvis, covering the muscles and structures within the abdomen.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is composed of several layers, the deepest being the peritoneum, followed by the transversalis fascia, extraperitoneal fascia, transversus abdominis muscle, internal oblique muscle, external oblique muscle, Scarpa's fascia, Camper's fascia, and the skin, from deep to superficial.

The anterolateral abdominal wall connects to the fascia lata over the thigh, the linea alba in the midline, and the pubic symphysis in the front.

The anterolateral abdominal wall consists of four main muscles - external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis. These muscles play a role in breathing, posture, and movement.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is important for protecting the organs within the abdomen, providing support for the trunk, and assisting with movement and breathing.

Contracting the abdominal muscles can increase pressure within the abdomen, aiding in activities like coughing, defecation, and childbirth. This is a reflexive action and helps stabilize the body.

The anterolateral abdominal wall is a complex structure with a vital role in protecting our internal organs, supporting our body, and enabling movement and breathing. Understanding its layers and function is essential for comprehending a range of medical concepts.

The four quadrants of the abdomen are not the hypochondriac, epigastric, iliac, and hypogastric. The actual quadrants are the right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, and left lower quadrant.