Abdominal Wall and Cavity

• Surface Anatomy
• Muscular Wall and Hernias
• Peritoneum and Mesenteries
 Bony Landmarks around Abdomen

Iliac crest
Anterior superior iliac
spine (ASIS)
Pubic crest
Inguinal ligament
Costal margin
Xiphoid process
Abdominal Wall from surface

Rectus abdominus
Linea alba
Iliac crest
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall

The abdominal wall is composed of four

paired muscles (internal and external
obliques, transversus abdominis, and rectus
abdominis), their fasciae, and their
aponeuroses
Fascicles of these muscles run at right and
oblique angles to one another, giving the
abdominal wall added strength
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall

In addition to forming the abdominal wall,

these muscles:
 Are involved with lateral flexion and rotation
of the trunk
 Help promote urination, defecation, childbirth,
vomiting, coughing, and screaming
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall

Figure 10.11a
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall

Figure 10.11b
Name?
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall

Figure 10.11c
 Muscles of abdominal wall

Rectus abdominus--
vertical midline
Three layers form tube
 External oblique
(“hands-in-pocket”)
 Internal oblique (fibers
perpendicular to
external)
 Transverse abdominus
(wraps around)
Muscles of abdominal wall--details

Please see Fig. 11.11, M&M for accurate labeling.

Abdominal wall
muscles

Rectus abdominis
 O: pubic crest & symphysis
 I: xiphoid process and costal
cartilages of ribs 5-7
 Action: flex & rotate lumbar
vertebrae, fix & depress ribs,
stabilize pelvis during
walking, increase
intraabdominal pressure
 Note: 3 tendinous insertions,
(11.11ab)
aponeurosis & linea alba
Muscles of
Posterior
Abdominal Wall
 What is inguinal canal?

Attachment where scrotum “pooches out”--carries all 3 layers of

abdominal wall through successive holes
spermatic cord to testicles
 NAV
 Vas Deferens
 Abdominal muscular wall
pressurizes abdomen

When?
 Cough
 Sneeze
 Urinate
 Defecate
 Birth
 Lifting

For article on abdominal muscles, role of different layers and use of lifting belts:
http://www.paulchekseminars.com/articles.cfm?select=16#top
Inguinal hernia results because pressure
finds weak spot at inguinal canal
 (back to basic body plan)
Mesenteries, peritoneum--what is retroperitoneal?

[board drawing]
Peritoneal vs Retroperitoneal

Laproscopic kidney donation with retroperitoneal access