Areas of the Abdomen

Overview

The abdomen contains several defined anatomical regions that guide understanding of organ relationships, surgical planes and patterns of disease. This section introduces the core spaces and triangles that shape abdominal anatomy and clinical assessment.

Key Structures

Topics include the abdominal cavity, peritoneum, inguinal canal, Calot’s triangle and Hesselbach’s triangle. Each page outlines boundaries, contents and the significance of these regions in surgical and anatomical practice.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Knowledge of abdominal areas supports interpretation of hernias, gallbladder pathology, peritoneal spread of infection and operative approaches. These regions provide essential landmarks for examination, imaging and surgery.

+ Read more
Illustration of Calot's triangle showing its borders and major contents, including the cystic artery.

Calot’s Triangle

Diagram illustrating the borders of the inguinal triangle (Hesselbach's Triangle).

The Inguinal (Hesselbach’s) Triangle

T

The Peritoneal (Abdominal) Cavity

Illustration of intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal organs for anatomical reference.

The Peritoneum

Diagram illustrating the anatomical location of the inguinal canal, highlighting its position lateral to the inferior epigastric artery.

The Inguinal Canal

Popular

Diagram of the superior mesenteric artery and its branches, with emphasis on the position of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery.
Arteries of the Abdomen

The Superior Mesenteric Artery

by Katherine Sanders and Natalia Munoz

Illustration of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles involved in mastication.
Encyclopaedia

Lateral Pterygoid

by Max Bidewell

Lateral view of the infrahyoid muscles in the neck, showcasing the omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles.
Muscles of the Neck

The Infrahyoid Muscles

by Dr Oliver Jones