What is the anterior abdominal wall?
The anterior abdominal wall forms the anterior limit of the abdominal viscera and is defined superiorly by the xiphoid process of the sternum and costal cartilages and inferiorly by the iliac crest and pubic bones of the pelvis.
Where is the lower abdominal wall located?
The abdominal wall is defined cranially by the xiphoid process of the sternum and the costal margins and caudally by the iliac and pubic bones of the pelvis. It extends to the lumbar spine, which joins the thorax and pelvis and is a point of attachment for some abdominal wall structures [1].
What are the anterior abdominal muscles?
Muscles of the anterior abdominal wall consists of two vertical muscles located on the midline and bisected by linea alba; Rectus abdominis and pyramidalis and three flat muscles on the anterolateral side arranged from superficial to deep; external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique, transversus abdominis.
What are the functions of the anterior abdominal wall?
Collectively the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, in conjunction with the muscles of the lateral abdominal wall, form a sturdy but flexible boundary for the abdominal cavity which protects the abdominal viscera. They also compress the viscera to maintain and increase intra-abdominal pressure.
What does abdominal wall mean?
Anatomical terminology. In anatomy, the abdominal wall represents the boundaries of the abdominal cavity. The abdominal wall is split into the anterolateral and posterior walls.
What are the lower boundary of the anterior abdominal region?
It is bounded superiorly by the xiphoid process and costal margins, posteriorly by the vertebral column and inferiorly by the pelvic bones and inguinal ligament.
What are the lower abdominal muscles called?
The lower muscle fibers of the internal obliques run nearly horizontally. Because of their unique alignment (at right angles to each other), the internal and external obliques are referred to as opposite-side rotators.
What muscles are in the lower abdomen?
Abdominal muscles explained
- transversus abdominis – the deepest muscle layer.
- rectus abdominis – slung between the ribs and the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis.
- external oblique muscles – these are on each side of the rectus abdominis.
Can the abdominal wall heal itself?
“Hernias cannot heal on their own — if left untreated, they usually get bigger and more painful, and can cause serious health risks in some cases.” If the wall through which the intestine is protruding closes shut, it can cause a strangulated hernia, which cuts off blood flow to the bowel.