thoracoabdominale

Thoracoabdominal (thoracoabdominale) is an anatomical descriptor used to refer to structures, regions, or approaches that involve both the thoracic (chest) and abdominal areas. The term is common in medicine, anatomy, radiology, and surgery to denote a continuity between the thorax and the upper abdomen, including walls, nerves, and vessels that extend across the diaphragmatic juncture.

In anatomy, the thoracoabdominal region is closely linked to the lower chest and upper abdomen. The thoracoabdominal nerves—continuations of the lower intercostal nerves T7 to T11 and the subcostal nerve T12—provide motor innervation to the abdominal wall muscles and sensory innervation to the overlying skin along the anterolateral trunk. These nerves exemplify how neural pathways cross from the thoracic domain into the abdominal region.

Clinically, the term is used to describe combined chest and abdominal surgical access. The thoracoabdominal approach is a well-known surgical route for lesions of the thoracic or upper abdominal organs, including paths to the thoracic or abdominal aorta, esophagus, or thoracic spine. Because this approach traverses both cavities, it carries risks related to both respiratory function and abdominal wall integrity, often requiring careful pain management and postoperative support.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from thorac- (chest) and abdomin- (abdomen). In English, thoracoabdominal is the standard form; in some Romance languages, the adjective may appear as thoracoabdominale. The term remains a concise way to describe anatomy or procedures spanning both thoracic and abdominal regions.