9 quadrants of the abdomen
The abdomen is divided into nine quadrants for the purpose of medical and anatomical reference
The abdomen is divided into nine quadrants for the purpose of medical and anatomical reference. This division allows healthcare professionals to identify and localize organs, structures, and potential sources of pain or discomfort. The nine quadrants are formed by two horizontal and two vertical lines intersecting at the umbilicus (belly button).
The right upper quadrant (RUQ) is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Key organs found in this quadrant include the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, part of the colon, and the head of the pancreas.
The left upper quadrant (LUQ) is located in the upper left portion of the abdomen. Organs in this quadrant include the left lobe of the liver, spleen, left kidney, stomach, part of the colon, and the body and tail of the pancreas.
The right lower quadrant (RLQ) is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Organs found in this quadrant include the appendix, cecum, ascending colon, right ovary (in females), and right fallopian tube (in females).
The left lower quadrant (LLQ) is located in the lower left portion of the abdomen. Organs in this quadrant include the descending colon, sigmoid colon, left ovary (in females), and left fallopian tube (in females).
The midline epigastric region is located in the upper middle portion of the abdomen. It contains the diaphragm, stomach, a portion of the liver, and part of the pancreas.
The midline umbilical region is located around the umbilicus. It includes the small intestine, transverse colon, and the inferior part of the duodenum.
The midline hypogastric (or suprapubic) region is located in the lower middle portion of the abdomen, below the umbilical region. It contains the bladder, uterus (in females), and part of the small intestine.
The right lumbar (or flank) region is located on the right side of the abdomen, between the upper and lower quadrants. This region contains the right kidney, part of the liver, and part of the small intestine.
The left lumbar (or flank) region is located on the left side of the abdomen, between the upper and lower quadrants. It contains the left kidney, part of the liver, and part of the small intestine.
Understanding the nine quadrants of the abdomen is essential in medical diagnosis, as it allows healthcare professionals to effectively communicate and locate specific areas of concern or interest during physical examination or diagnostic procedures.
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