Ylävatsen

Ylävatsen is a term used in Finnish to describe the upper part of the abdomen. In medical and everyday language it refers to the region located above the navel, extending up toward the lower margins of the rib cage and the diaphragm. The term combines ylä- (upper) with vatsa (belly or abdomen).

Anatomical boundaries and organization: In anatomy, the upper abdomen is commonly described as comprising the epigastric region in the center and the left and right hypochondriac regions on the sides. The lower boundary of this area is roughly the level of the umbilicus, while the upper boundary is the diaphragmatic dome. The upper abdomen contains portions of several major organs and structures, and these are distributed among its regions rather than confined to a single compartment.

Contents and relations: The epigastric region houses parts of the stomach, the liver (primarily the right lobe), and the pancreas. The right hypochondriac region contains portions of the liver and gallbladder, while the left hypochondriac region includes the upper part of the stomach and the spleen. The diaphragm separates this region from the thoracic cavity, influencing both respiratory and abdominal function. Blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics traverse the upper abdomen and contribute to its clinical significance.

Clinical relevance: Pain, tenderness, or masses in the upper abdomen prompt evaluation for gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, biliary disease, or referred cardiac pain. Physical examination often includes palpation and auscultation, with imaging (ultrasound, CT) used for further assessment.

See also: abdomen, epigastric region, hypochondriac regions, abdominal pain.