The Accessory Organs of the Abdomen

Overview

Several abdominal organs support digestion, metabolism, filtration and endocrine regulation. This section introduces these structures and outlines their roles within abdominal and systemic physiology.

Key Structures

Topics include the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys and the mesentery, describing their anatomical position, functional roles and vascular relationships.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Knowledge of accessory organ anatomy is essential for assessing jaundice, pancreatitis, renal disease, splenic injury and endocrine disorders. This section supports diagnostic reasoning and surgical planning.

+ Read more

The Liver

Overview illustration of the biliary tree, highlighting the anatomy and connections related to the gallbladder.

The Gallbladder

Illustration of the arterial supply and venous drainage of the pancreas, highlighting the splenic artery and vein.

The Pancreas

The Spleen

The Adrenal Glands

The Kidneys

Simplified illustration of the mesentery connecting the small and large intestines to the posterior abdominal wall.

The Mesentery

Popular

Superior view of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, highlighting their anatomical arrangement.
Encyclopaedia

Lateral Cricoarytenoid

by Roxanne Salkeld

Illustration of the course of the long ciliary nerves, highlighting their origin from the nasociliary nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Long Ciliary Nerves

by Gabor Szloboda

Illustration of the deltoid and teres major muscles, highlighting their anatomical structure and relation to the circumflex scapular artery.
Encyclopaedia

Teres Major

by Dr Oliver Jones