Anterior Abdominal Wall & Hernias

The anterior abdominal wall is divided into nine regions for anatomical description, including right hypochondrium, epigastrium, left hypochondrium, right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right iliac fossa, hypogastrium, and left iliac fossa.

A layered structure encasing the rectus abdominis muscle, formed from aponeuroses of abdominal muscles.

A passageway in the lower anterior abdominal wall that runs from the superficial inguinal ring to the deep inguinal ring; crucial for the passage of structures.

Skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, transversalis fascia, and parietal peritoneum compose the anterior abdominal wall.

Protrusion of abdominal contents (typically intestines) through a weakness in the inguinal canal.

The anterior abdominal wall is formed by the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles.

Important anatomical points on the surface of the abdomen, used for clinical procedures and diagnosis, including xiphoid process, costal margin, anterior superior iliac spine, inguinal ligament, and pubic tubercle

Blood supply to and innervation of the abdominal wall, crucial for function and healing.

Lower 8 ribs.

Anterior 2/3rds iliac crest, lateral 2/3rds inguinal ligament.

Lower 6 costal cartilages, anterior 2/3rds iliac crest, lateral 2/3rds inguinal ligament.

Xiphoid process, pubic tubercle, anterior half of iliac crest.

Ribs 10-12, xiphoid process, linea alba, pubic symphasis.

Xiphoid process, linea alba, pubic symphasis

Connects inguinal areas of the pelvis

Formation from External Oblique, Internal Oblique and Transversus Abdominis aponeuroses.

Originates from the pubic symphysis and pubic crest.

Inserts into the 5th-7th costal cartilages and xiphoid process.

The T6-T12 nerves supply the muscle

Compresses abdominal contents, flexes the vertebral column, and assists in respiration.

A band of connective tissue that runs down the middle of the abdomen.

Originates from the front of the pubis and pubic symphysis.

Inserts into the linea alba.

The pyramidalis muscle tenses the linea alba.

A strong connective tissue sheet that lies deep to the abdominal muscles and forms the inner lining of the abdominal cavity.

The internal opening of the inguinal canal, formed by a funnel-shaped evagination of the transversalis fascia.

The spermatic cord, which contains the vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics, and the ilioinguinal nerve.

The round ligament of the uterus and the ilioinguinal nerve.

The transversalis fascia.

The inguinal ligament.

The aponeurosis of the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscles.

The transversalis fascia and the conjoint tendon.

The anterior abdominal wall is layered from superficial to deep as follows: skin, subcutaneous fat, external oblique muscle, internal oblique muscle, transversus abdominis muscle, transversalis fascia, and parietal peritoneum.

The rectus sheath is a layered structure formed by the aponeuroses of the abdominal muscles and envelops the rectus abdominis muscle. It helps support and compartmentalize the abdominal muscles.

The arcuate line is an imaginary line that marks the transition point where the rectus sheath changes its composition. Above the line, the sheath encloses the rectus abdominis muscle on all sides. Below the line, the posterior wall of the sheath is absent, and the rectus abdominis muscle sits directly on the transversalis fascia.

The superficial inguinal ring is an opening in the external oblique aponeurosis, located above and medial to the pubic tubercle. This opening marks the exit point of the inguinal canal for structures passing through.

The deep inguinal ring is an opening in the transversalis fascia, located on the inner side of the abdominal cavity. This opening is the entry point of the inguinal canal.

The abdominal muscles play a crucial role in maintaining posture, supporting internal organs, breathing, and forceful activities requiring abdominal pressure. They also provide protection for the internal organs.