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Definition

noun

(1) The region of the body in between the thorax and the pelvis

(2) The part of the body where stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas are contained inside a cavity lined by peritoneum

(3) (invertebrate biology) The posterior segment of invertebrates, after the thoracic segment

Supplement

In vertebrates, such as humans, the abdomen contains visceral organs such as those of the digestive and urinary systems.

In humans, it is comprised of nine regions divided by two vertical and two horizontal lines :

• right hypochondrium – right, upper region
• epigastrium –middle, upper region
• left hypochondrium – left, upper region
• right lumbar – right, mid-region
• umbilical region – central region
• left lumbar – left, mid-region
• right iliac – right, lower region
• epigastric – middle, lower region
• left iliac – left, lower region

In invertebrates, the abdomen generally pertains to the segment of their body after the thorax. It usually contains the digestive and reproductive structures.

Related term(s):

• Abdominal
• Boat-shaped abdomen
• Pendulous abdomen
• Acute abdomen
• Muscles of abdomen
• Post-abdomen