epigastric

Epigastric describes the epigastrium, the upper central part of the abdomen. It lies just below the sternum and above the stomach, over the upper stomach and neighboring structures such as parts of the liver, pancreas, and duodenum.

In the common nine-region division of the abdomen, the epigastric region is the central upper area. It is bordered laterally by the right and left hypochondriac regions and inferiorly by the subcostal plane. This region corresponds to surfaces over the stomach and portions of the upper abdominal viscera.

Clinical relevance centers on symptoms and examination. Epigastric pain or tenderness can reflect a range of conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, biliary disease, or less commonly myocardial ischemia. Epigastric hernias, protrusions through the linea alba in this area, are a recognized lesion. Evaluation relies on history, physical examination, and targeted imaging or laboratory tests as indicated.

Related anatomy includes the abdominal wall vessels associated with the region. The superior epigastric artery, a continuation of the internal thoracic artery, and the inferior epigastric artery from the external iliac system supply the epigastric portion of the abdominal wall; their accompanying veins drain to the corresponding venous systems.

Etymology traces to Greek: epi- meaning upon or over, and gaster meaning stomach. The term is widely used in anatomy, surgery, and clinical medicine to reference the upper central abdominal area.