Anterolateral Abdominal Wall: Anatomy and Function

• The abdominal wall encloses the abdominal cavity, which can be divided into anterolateral and posterior sections.
• The abdominal wall forms a firm, flexible boundary.
• The abdominal wall keeps the abdominal viscera in the abdominal cavity.
• The abdominal wall assists the viscera in maintaining their anatomical position against gravity.
• The abdominal wall protects the abdominal viscera from injury.
• The abdominal wall assists in forceful expiration by pushing the abdominal viscera upwards.
• The abdominal wall is involved in any action, like coughing, vomiting, defecation, that increases intra-abdominal pressure.
• The abdominal wall can be divided into two sections: anterolateral and posterior abdominal walls.

Layers of the abdominal wall (Superficial to Deep)

• Skin
• Superficial fascia
• Muscles
• Transversalis fascia
• Extraperitoneal fat (extraperitoneal fascia)
• Peritoneum

Muscles of the Anterolateral Abdominal Wall

• Divided into two main groups: flat muscles and vertical muscles.
• Flat muscles are three flat muscles, situated laterally on either side of the abdomen.
• Vertical muscles are two vertical muscles, situated near the midline of the body.

Flat Muscles

• Flat muscles are located laterally in the abdominal wall and are stacked upon one another.
• Flat muscles fibers run in differing directions and cross each other.
• Flat muscles strengthen the abdominal wall and decrease the risk of abdominal contents herniating through the wall.
• Each flat muscle forms an aponeurosis (a broad, flat tendon) in the anteromedial aspect which covers the vertical rectus abdominis muscle.
• The aponeuroses of all the flat muscles become entwined in the midline, forming the linea alba.
• The linea alba is a fibrous structure that extends from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.

An overview of the anterolateral abdominal wall, detailing its structure and function. It forms a flexible boundary, protects abdominal organs, and assists in respiration and actions increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Key layers and muscles are also discussed.