abdominal

Abdominal is an anatomical term that relates to the abdomen, the region of the trunk between the thorax and the pelvis. The abdomen contains most of the digestive tract organs, including the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, and spleen, as well as portions of the kidneys and reproductive organs. The abdominal wall and its fascia, muscles, and skin enclose the abdominal cavity and separate it from the thoracic cavity above and the pelvis below.

The abdomen is bordered superiorly by the diaphragm and inferiorly by the pelvic inlet. The abdominal cavity is part of the abdominopelvic cavity and is lined by the peritoneum. Some organs are intraperitoneal (peritoneal cavity), suspended by mesenteries; others are retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum). Common subdivisions include four abdominal quadrants and nine regions used in clinical assessment; the terms are used in imaging and surgery.

The major vascular supply comes from the abdominal aorta and its branches (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric). Venous drainage largely reaches the portal system to the liver. Innervation includes somatic nerves of the abdominal wall (lower thoracic and L1 nerves) and autonomic fibers, with referred pain patterns linking to the spinal cord segments around T6–L2.

In medicine, 'abdominal' is used to describe symptoms, examination findings, diseases, and procedures relating to this region. Common clinical concerns include abdominal pain, distension, and masses; conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver disease, bowel obstruction, hernias, and kidney stones. Physical examination often involves inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation of the four quadrants or nine regions, along with imaging studies when indicated.

Terminology: The term derives from Latin abdominis; 'abdominal' is the adjectival form used in anatomy and clinical medicine.