hypogastrium

The hypogastrium is an anatomical region of the abdomen. It is located below the umbilicus and superior to the pubic symphysis. This region is also known as the suprapubic region. It is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, as defined by an anterior abdominal wall grid used in anatomy and medicine. The hypogastrium is situated in the lower central part of the abdomen.

Contents within the hypogastrium include parts of the small intestine, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, the urinary bladder, and the uterus in females. The anatomical landmarks that define the hypogastrium are the umbilical plane superiorly and the pubic symphysis inferiorly. Laterally, it is bounded by the two midclavicular lines, though these are often simplified in clinical practice.

Clinically, the hypogastrium is an important area for examination and diagnosis. Pain or tenderness in this region can indicate a variety of conditions affecting the organs located there. For instance, a distended bladder can cause discomfort in the hypogastrium, as can inflammation of the appendix (though the appendix is typically located in the right iliac fossa, its pain can sometimes be referred to the hypogastrium). In women, gynecological issues such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts can also manifest as hypogastric pain. Urinary tract infections can also cause pain in this area.