Abdomen and pelvis: want to learn more about it?
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Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
Abdomen and pelvis
Abdominal wall
The abdominal wall is comprised mainly of the abdominal muscles. Let’s start by looking at the main structures that make up the abdominal wall.
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Regions of the abdomenBorders and contents of the regions of the abdomen.
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Muscles of the abdominal wallMain muscles found in the abdominal wall.
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Nerves and vessels of the abdominal wallMain arteries, veins and nerves found in the abdominal wall.
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Inguinal canalStructure of the inguinal canal and femoral sheath.
Peritoneal cavity
The peritoneal cavity is a space between the parietal and visceral peritoneum, which are the two membranes that separate the organs from the abdominal wall.
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Greater omentumOverview of the greater omentum and neighbouring abdominal viscera.
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MesenteryOverview of the mesentery from an anterior view of the abdomen, with greater omentum reflected and small intestine removed.
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Peritoneal relationsPeritoneal cavity as seen in the parasagittal section.
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Omental bursaOmental bursa in situ with the stomach reflected.
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RetroperitoneumStructures of the posterior wall of the peritoneal cavity.
Stomach
The stomach is an organ found in the upper abdomen and is part of the gastrointestinal tract. The main function of this organ is to produce digestive enzymes.
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Stomach in situStomach in situ seen from an anterior view of the abdomen with the liver retracted.
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Musculature and mucosa of the stomachOverview of the muscular layers and mucosa of the stomach.
Spleen
The spleen is found in the upper left part of the abdomen. Its main functions include filtering your blood, creating new blood cells and store platelets.
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Structure of the spleenOverview of the main structures of the spleen.
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Spleen microcirculationA close look at the structures involved in open and closed splenic circulation.
Liver
The liver is a large essential organ found in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It is a multifunctional unit that performs such duties as detoxification.
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Liver in situLiver in situ seen from an anterior view of the abdomen with liver retracted.
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Anterior view of the liverStructures seen on the anterior view of the isolated liver.
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Inferior view of the liverStructures seen on the inferior view of the isolated liver.
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Posterior view of the liverStructures seen on the posterior view of the isolated liver.
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GallbladderGallbladder and neighbouring structures.
Pancreas
The pancreas is an accessory organ of the GI tract whose function is to release substances that help regulate the blood sugar levels as well as digestion.
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Pancreas in situPancreas in situ seen from the anterior view.
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Pancreatic duct systemThe pancreatic ducts carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum.
Small intestine
The small intestine is the part of the GI tract between the stomach and large intestine. This structure is divided into 3 parts: duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
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DuodenumStructure of the duodenum, including the mucosa and muscular layers.
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Arteries of the small intestineArteries of the small intestine with focus on the superior mesenteric artery.
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Veins of the small intestineVeins that drain the small intestine.
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Innervation of the small intestineNerves of the small intestine seen from an anterior view of the abdomen.
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Lymph nodes of the small intestineLymph nodes and vessels of the small intestine and neighbouring structures.
Large intestine
The large intestine is the last part of the GI tract. It functions to absorb water from fecal matter and helps the body get rid of the remaining waste material.
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Large intestineStructure of the large intestine, including the mucosa and musculature.
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Rectum and anal canalStructures of the rectum and anal canal seen on a coronal section, anterior view of the female pelvis.
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Arteries of the large intestineArteries of the large intestine seen from an anterior view, with the jejunum and ileum removed, and transverse colon reflected.
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Blood vessels of the rectumArteries and veins of the rectum.
Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of organs shaped like beans and located in the back of the abdomen. The main function of those organs is to filter your blood.
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Kidneys in situKidneys in situ seen from the anterior view.
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Overview of the kidneyOverview of the kidney and related structures seen from an anterior view of the right kidney.
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Kidney structureOverview of the internal structure of the kidney seen from a coronal section of the right kidney.
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Renal arteriesArteries of the kidneys seen on the anterior view of the right kidney.
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Ureters in situAbdominal and pelvic parts of the ureters and related structures.
Pelvis
The pelvis is the lower part of the abdomen and houses the reproductive organs and the end of the digestive tract. All surrounded by pelvic bones and muscles.
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Muscles of the pelvic floorOverview of the muscles that form the pelvic floor.
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Superior view of the female pelvisLigaments, vessels and organs of the female pelvis as seen from a superior view
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Female pelvic viscera and perineumContents of the female pelvis, including viscera and perineum.
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Male pelvic viscera and perineumContents of the male pelvis, including viscera and perineum.
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Blood supply of the female pelvisArteries and veins of the female pelvis.
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Blood supply of the male pelvisArteries and veins of the male pelvis.
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Nerves of the female pelvisInnervation of the female pelvis.
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Nerves of the male pelvisInnervation of the male pelvis.
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Lumbar plexusLumbar plexus supplies the abdominal wall, pelvis and lower limb.
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Sacral plexusSacral plexus is a nerve plexus which supplies the pelvis and lower limb.
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Neurovasculature of the female perineumArteries, veins and nerves of the female perineum.
Urinary bladder and urethra
The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ responsible for collecting urine coming from the kidneys through the ureters and excreting it via the urethra.
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Female urinary bladderAnterior view of coronal section of the female bladder in the pelvis and pelvic floor.
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Male urinary bladderAnterior view of coronal section of the male bladder in the pelvis and pelvic floor.
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Penis and male urethraStructure of the penis and urethra seen on a longitudinal section.
Female reproductive organs
The female reproductive system consists of organs specialized in functions like gamete production and nurturing a fertilized egg as it develops into a fetus.
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Uterus and ovariesStructures of the uterus and ovaries seen with uterus straightened.
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Uterus and vaginaStructure of the uterus and vagina seen on an anterior coronal section.
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Female perineumA surface view of the region between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx.
Male reproductive organs
The male reproductive system consists of organs specialized in many functions which include producing, maintaining and transporting sperm and protective fluid.
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Structure of the penisStructure of the penis seen from an inferior view.
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Scrotum and spermatic cordScrotum and spermatic cord, including the coverings and contents.
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Testis and epididymisTestes and epididymides are the paired male reproductive organs involved in the production, development and storage of sperm.
Blood vessels of the abdomen and pelvis
Through their branches and tributaries, the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava supply the abdomen and pelvis.
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Arteries of the stomach, liver and spleenArteries supplying the stomach, liver and spleen.
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Arteries of the pancreas, duodenum and spleenArteries supplying the pancreas, duodenum and spleen.
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Hepatic portal veinHepatic portal vein and veins of the stomach, duodenum, pancreas and spleen - including some of the neighbouring arteries.
Lymphatics of the abdomen and the pelvis
There are many lymph nodes, vessels and organs responsible for lymph circulation in this area of the body.
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Lymphatics of the posterior abdominal wallLymph nodes and vessels of the posterior abdominal wall.
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Lymphatics of the stomach and liverLymph nodes and vessels of the stomach and liver.
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Lymphatics of the pancreas, duodenum and spleenLymph nodes and vessels of the pancreas, spleen and duodenum.
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Lymphatics of the urinary organsLymph nodes and vessels of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.
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Lymphatics of the male genitaliaLymph nodes and vessels of the male genitalia.