leftlowerquadrant

The left lower quadrant (LLQ) is one of the four anatomical quadrants used to describe the abdomen and pelvis. It is defined by the vertical midline that divides the body into left and right halves and by the horizontal plane that passes through the umbilicus. The LLQ lies to the left of the midline and below the umbilicus, extending down to the pelvic brim.

Contents commonly found in the LLQ include portions of the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) and portions of the large intestine (descending colon and sigmoid colon). Pelvic organs such as the left ovary and left fallopian tube in females, and the left ureter, may also reside in this region. The lower pole of the left kidney and parts of the urinary bladder can be encountered near the boundary between the LLQ and adjacent regions, depending on body habitus and bladder fullness.

Clinically, the LLQ is a frequent location of abdominal pain with conditions such as diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, nephrolithiasis affecting the left ureter, ovarian cysts or torsion, and ectopic pregnancy in early gestation. Palpation and imaging of the LLQ are used to evaluate these processes.

Anatomical variation is common, and the exact distribution of organs can vary between individuals. The LLQ, like other abdominal quadrants, provides a practical framework for communication in medicine and anatomy.