This document provides an overview of the abdomen and pelvis. It defines the abdomen as the space between the thorax and pelvis, protected anteriorly by muscles and posteriorly by vertebrae. The pelvis is located below the abdomen, protected by hip bones. The document describes the abdominal regions and walls, as well as the major organs found in the abdominal cavity including the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. It also discusses the blood vessels, nerves and peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity.

1. Abdomen
& Pelvis
Mehrez M. Jadaon
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Kuwait University
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Course 210 anatomy
Semester II – 2012/2013

2. Objectives
- To define the abdomen and pelvis in the human
body
- To describe the abdominal regions
- To describe the different components of the
abdominopelvic cavity, including skin, fascia,
muscles, peritoneum, bones, blood vessels,
nerves and internal organs.

3. Abdomen-pelvis
(Abdominopelvis)
Abdomenpelvis

4. Abdomen-pelvis
The abdomen (the belly):
Space between thorax (chest)
and pelvis. The diaphragm muscle
forms the upper barrier.
At the level of the pelvic bones,
the abdomen ends and the pelvis
begins.
The pelvis (the basin) is the area
Below the abdomen (at the level
of the pelvic bones) and ends
at the area between the thighs.

5. • Superiorly extends to the 4th
intercostals space (level of the
male nipple)
• The upper part of the
abdomen is protected by the
bony thoracic cage (cartilage
of ribs 7-10 & tips of ribs 11
& 12)
• The lower part of the
abdomen is protected by the
bony pelvis, and continues
into pelvic cavity
• The posterior part of the
abdomen is protected by the
vertebral column (L1-L5)
• The anterior part and lateral
part of the abdomen is
protected by the muscular
wall
- Xiphoid process X
- Costal cartilages
(ribs 7-10)
- Tips of ribs 11 & 12
- Vertebrae L1-L5
- Iliac crests IC
- Tubercle of the crest
TC
- Anterior superior
iliac spine ASIS
- Anterior inferior
iliac spine AIIS
- Inguinal ligament IL
- Pubic tubercle PT
- Pubic crest PC
- Pubic symphysis PS
- Pelvic brim PB
Abdomen

6. Abdominal regions
Surface anatomy

7. Abdominal regions
Surface anatomy
Trans-umbilical
Plane
(L3 & L4)
Median plane dividing body
into 2 halves)

8. Abdominal regions
Surface anatomy

9. Abdominal regions
Surface anatomy
Right
hypochondriac
Left
hypochondriac
Right
Lumbar
Left
Lumbar
Right
Iliac
Left
Iliac
Epigastric
Umbilical
Hypogastric

10. Abdominal regions
Surface anatomy

11. Abdomen structure
- Abdominal wall
- Internal organs

12. - Abdominal wall
- Internal organs
Abdominal wall:
- Anterior wall
- Right and Left Lateral walls
- Posterior wall
Anterolateral
abdominal wall
Abdomen structure

13. Anterolateral abdominal wall
 From outside inwards:
- Skin
- Superficial Fascia (fat)
- 3 Muscles (with
deep fascia in
between)
- Parietal peritoneum
Abdomen structure

14. Abdomen structure
Anterolateral
abdominal wall
Skin
Superficial Fascia
3 Muscles
Parietal peritoneum

15. Abdomen structure

16. Abdomen structure
Anterolateral abdominal wall
3 Flat anterolateral muscles
(from outside inwards):
1- External Oblique
2- Internal Oblique
3- Transverse abdominal
Right & Left muscles
Connected anteriorly by
Rectus sheath, with
central Linea alba

17. Abdomen structure

18. Abdomen structure
Anterolateral abdominal wall
4th anterolateral muscle:
Rectus Abdominis muscle
(within Rectus sheath), having Tendinous intersections
and Linea alba

19. Abdomen structure
Rectus Abdominis muscle
(within Rectus sheath)

20. Abdomen structure
Anterolateral abdominal wall muscles

21. Abdomen structure
Anterolateral abdominal wall muscles
Origin, Insertion, Innervation, and action

22. Abdomen structure
Posterior abdominal wall muscles

23. Abdomen systems and organs
Most of digestive organs and
accessories
Kidneys and ureters
Spleen
Adrenal glands + Isles of
Langerhans
[Muscles, bones, nerves,
blood vessels]

24. Digestive System:
Abdomen systems and organs

25. Digestive System:
Abdomen systems and organs

26. Digestive System:
Abdomen systems and organs

27. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:

28. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Esophagus
Lower part penetrates the diaphragm through opening
[esophageal hiatus]
Stomach
Cardia, Fundus, Body
& Pylorus
Greater and lesser
curvatures

29. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Small Intestines
Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum
Large Intestines (colon)
Cecum and Appendix
Ascending, Descending,
Transverse and sigmoid colon
Rectum and Anus

30. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Liver
- Covered by peritoneum except bare area (posterior)
contacting the diaphragm.
- Main two lobes (right and left) + Caudate and Quadrate
lobes
- Infereior vena vaca forms a groove within the bare area
- Falcifarm ligament, round ligament
- Gallbladder

31. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Liver
Anterior view Posterior view
Bare areaGastric
area
Duodenal
area
Pyloric
area

32. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Pancreas
Stomach
Pancreas
Small Intestines
Liver
LargeIntestines
Level of L2
Head adjacent to
Stomach pylorus
Body
Tail is anterior to
Left kidney and in
position with
splenic Hilum and
left colic flexure

33. Abdomen systems and organs
Digestive System:
Pancreas

34. Abdomen systems and organs
Spleen

35. Abdomen systems and organs
Spleen Surrounded by:
Stomach from anterior
Diaphragm from posterior
Left (splenic) flexure of colon from inferior
Left kidney from medial

36. Abdomen systems and organs
Spleen Surrounded by:
Stomach from anterior
Diaphragm from posterior
Left (splenic) flexure of colon from inferior
Left kidney from medial

37. Abdomen systems and organs
Spleen

38. Abdomen systems and organs
Spleen

39. Abdomen systems and organs
Urinary system

40. Abdomen systems and organs
Urinary system
Kidneys
Lie deep to the 12th rib posteriorly
Opposite to T12-L3
Right kidney is little lower because of liver
Posterior
view

41. Abdomen systems and organs
Urinary system
Ureters
From hilum of kidneys, going inferiorly towards
the urinary bladder,
anterior to the tips
of the transverse
processes of the
lumbar vertebrae

42. Abdomen systems and organs
Urinary system
Adrenal glands (suprarenal)

43. Abdomen systems and organs
Urinary system
Posterior view

44. Peritoneum
Epithelia + connective tissue, folds,
- binds organs to each other and to the abdominal
wall
- contains blood and lymph vessels and nerves
(provide passage or routes).
1- Parietal peritoneum
Lines abdominal walls from inside
Peritoneal cavity (serous fluid)
2- Visceral peritoneum (=serosa layer)
Surround organs from outside
Abdomen systems and organs

45. Peritoneum
Extensions:
- Greater omentum: Folded membrane hanging from stomach
(greater curvature) and proximal duodenum to cover the
intestines, folding back to transverse colon.
- Lesser omentum: suspending stomach (lesser curvature) and
proximal duodenum from liver
- Mesentry: attaching the small intestine to the posterior wall
- Mesocolon: attaching the colon to the posterior wall
- Mesoappendix: appendix to cecum and ileum
- Ligaments: folds connecting organs together:
e.g. Falciform ligament: attaching the liver to the anterior
wall and the diaphragm
e.g. Gastrosplenic ligament
e.g. Gastrocolic ligament
e.g. splenorenal ligament
Abdomen systems and organs

46. Peritoneum
Abdomen systems and organs

47. Peritoneum
Abdomen systems and organs

48. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum

49. Peritoneum
Male
Abdomen systems and organs

50. Peritoneum
Female
Abdomen systems and organs

51. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum

52. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum

53. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum

54. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum

55. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum
Mesocolon
Mesoappendix

56. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum
- Peritoneal organs
Digestive organs
that keep their mesentery
- Retroperitoneal organs
Behind the peritoneum
e.g. kidneys, ureter, part of
colon, rectum, reproductive
organs

57. Abdomen systems and organs
Peritoneum
- Peritoneal organs
- Retroperitoneal organs

58. Pelvis
Inferior and posterior to abdomen, separate it from
lower limbs
Margins:
- Anterior: inferior anterolateral abdominal wall
- Posterior: gluteal region of lower limbs
- Inferior: Perineum (area between thighs containing
external sex organs and the anus)
Lesser & Greater Pelves
Inside: Pelvic Cavity surrounded by bony Pelvic Girdle
Pelvic Girdle: Hip bones (Rt & Lt Ilium, Ischium & Pubis)
+ Sacrum (fused sacral bones S1-5)
Pelvic cavity is separated from the perineum by pelvic
diaphragm muscle

59. Pelvis

60. Pelvis

61. Pelvis
Pelvic Girdle: Hip bones (Rt & Lt Ilium, Ischium & Pubis)
+ Sacrum (fused sacral bones S1-5)

62. Pelvic systems and organs
Urinary System
Ureters
Urinary Bladder
Urethra

63. Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Male
(Pelvic cavity
and perineum)

64. Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Male
Tunica albuginea:
white connective tissue
covering testis and
extend internally

65. Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Female

66. Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Female

67. 2 ovaries, almond shape & size
Fixed by ligaments:
Mesovarium: double layer of peritonium surrounds ovaries
Ovarian ligament: attach to uterus
Suspensory ligament:
attach to pelvic wall
Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Female

68. Pelvic systems and organs
Reproductive System
Female
Uterus
Broad ligament

69. Blood Vessels & Nerves

70. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Diaphragm openings:
T8
T10
T12
Inferior

71. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

72. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

73. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Aorta  Many branches
In abdomen: Abdominal Aorta:
- passes through the diaphragm at the level of T12 vertebra.
(through aortic hiatus)
- passes inferiorly on the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.
- divides into the common iliac arteries at the level of L4.

74. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Aorta  Many branches
In abdomen: Abdominal Aorta:
 Branches:
1) Parietal branches (to body wall structures)
2) Visceral branches (to the visceral organs)

75. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
1) Parietal branches
3 branches: first two are paired and the third is unpaired:
1- Inferior phrenic arteries: First paired branches of the abdominal aorta.
supply the inferior surface of the diaphragm and adrenal gland
2- Lumbar arteries: Four pairs arise from the posterior-lateral surface of
the abdominal aorta. Supply the lumbar vertebrae, spinal cord
and its menenges and the muscles and skin of the lumbar region
at the back
3- Median sacral: Supplies the sacrum and coccyx

76. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
1) Parietal branches

77. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
1) Parietal branches
Left lumbers
Median sacral

78. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches
6 branches:
- 3 paired visceral branches arise from the lateral surface of
the abdominal aorta.
- 3 unpaired visceral branches arise from the anterior surface
of the abdominal aorta.

79. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches [from up downwards]:
3 Paired visceral branches:
1- Suprarenal arteries- Supplies the adrenal gland
2- Renal arteries- Supplies kidneys, adrenal gland and ureter
3- Gonadal:
Testicular in males- Supply testes, epididymis and ureters
Ovarian in females- Supply ovaries, uterine tube
and ureters

80. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches [from up downwards]:
3 Unpaired visceral branches:
1- Celiac trunk (unpaired  branches)
2- Superior mesenteric artery (unpaired branches)
3- Inferior mesenteric artery (unpaired branches)

81. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches [from up downwards]:All
 1- Celiac trunk (unpaired  branches)
2- Superior mesenteric artery (unpaired branches)
3- Suprarenal (adrenal) middle arteries
(paired: left & right)
4- Renal arteries (paired: left & right)
5- Gonadal (testicular or ovarian) arteries
(paired: left & right)
6- Inferior mesenteric artery (unpaired branches)

82. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches

83. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
Abdominal Aorta
2) Visceral branches

84. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

85. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

86. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
1

87. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

88. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

89. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries 2

90. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

91. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries
6

92. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

93. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Arteries

94. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins
Inferior vena cava

95. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins
Inferior vena cava

96. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins

97. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins

98. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins

99. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins
Unlike arteries, veins from small and large intestines, spleen
and pancreas go first to the liver before going to inferior vena
cava through hepatic veins (hepatic portal circulation)

100. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins

101. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels
Veins
Inferior
mesenteric
vein
Splenic
Superior
mesenteric
vein

102. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

103. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

104. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

105. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

106. Abdomen systems and organs
Blood Vessels

107. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Anterior rami (branches) of
the lower six thoracic (T7-
12) and first lumbar nerves
(L1):
- T7-T11: Thoracoabdominal
- Anterior ramus of T12:
Subcostal
- First lumbar nerve L1:
Iliohypogastric and
ilioinguinal nerves.

108. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

109. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

110. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

111. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Sympathetic and parasympathetic (autonomic) nerves
 Internal organs (viscera)
The Vagus nerves (CN X, right and left) penetrating
diaphragm at esophageal hiatus
 anterior and posterior vagal trunks
The abdominopelvic splanchnic nerves:
1. Lower thoracic:
- Greater splanchnic (T5-T9 or T10)
- Lesser splanchnic (T10-T11)
- Least splanchnic (T12)
2. Lumbar splanchnic (L1-L3)
Pelvic splanchnic (S2-S4)
Plexuses
& ganglia
 organs

112. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

113. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

114. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Sympathetic and parasympathetic (autonomic) nerves
 Internal organs (viscera)
The Vagus nerves (CN X, right and left) penetrating
diaphragm at esophageal hiatus
 anterior and posterior vagal trunks
The abdominopelvic splanchnic nerves:
1. Lower thoracic:
- Greater splanchnic (T5-T9 or T10)
- Lesser splanchnic (T10-T11)
- Least splanchnic (T12)
2. Lumbar splanchnic (L1-L3)
Pelvic splanchnic (S2-S4)
Plexuses
& ganglia
 organs

115. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

116. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

117. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves

118. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Plexuses:
Nerve networks surrounding blood vessels or organs
e.g. Abdominal (para-aortic) autonomic plexuses surrounding
abdominal aorta and its branches: celiac, superior
mesenteric and inferior mesenteric plexuses
Ganglia:
Mass of nerve cells or fibers. They interact and form plexuses.
e.g. celiac ganglion, superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia

119. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Plexuses
& Ganglia:
*
*

120. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Plexuses
& Ganglia:

121. Abdomen systems and organs
Nerves
Plexuses
& Ganglia: