Musculoskeletal System: Abdomen

The posterior abdominal wall is a complex musculoskeletal structure that houses the abdominal aorta, the inferior vena cava, as well as important retroperitoneal organs, like the kidneys, renal glands, pancreas, and duodenum. This vital anatomical structure consists of the posterior abdominal muscles, their respective fascia, lumbar vertebrae, and the pelvic girdle. The structure is supported by 12th thoracic rib, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic rim.

The anterior abdominal wall is anatomically delineated as a hexagonal area defined superiorly by the xiphoid process, laterally by the midaxillary lines, and inferiorly by the pubic symphysis. From the superficial to deep order, the anterior abdominal wall consists of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, transversalis fascia, and peritoneum. The lateral abdominal muscles include the external and internal obliques and the transversus abdominis. Anterior abdominal muscles include the rectus abdominis and pyramidalis muscles. The abdominal wall is primarily supplied by epigastric arteries and innervated by thoracoabdominal nerves.

The inguinal region, or the groin, is located in the RLQ and LLQ of the anterior abdominal wall, bordered by the thigh inferiorly, the pubis medially, and the iliac crest superolaterally. The inguinal canal is a tubular structure that runs in a straight line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle. The canal contains the spermatic cord in men and the round ligament in women. This region is clinically relevant, as it is the site for the most common type of hernias, such as indirect and direct inguinal hernias. Patients with hernias will present with a unilateral bulge in the groin that may be associated with pain. In symptomatic or high-risk cases, hernias can be repaired surgically.

The peritoneum is a serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity. This lining is formed by connective tissue and originates from the mesoderm. The membrane lines both the abdominal walls (as parietal peritoneum) and all of the visceral organs (as visceral peritoneum). The peritoneum supports and suspends the organs within the abdominal cavity and provides an important conduit for the neurovasculature supplying these organs. There are several peritoneal folds, known as mesenteries, omenta, and ligaments. The greater and lesser omenta divide the peritoneal cavity into greater and lesser sacs, which are important anatomic spaces within the cavity. Organs located behind the posterior parietal peritoneum are known as retroperitoneal, while organs that protrude into the cavity and are fully covered by visceral peritoneum are known as intraperitoneal.