Knowra Abdominal wall Abdominal wall The layered muscles, fascia, and other tissues that enclose the front and sides of the abdominal cavity. It supports the trunk, protects abdominal organs, and helps regulate pressure within the abdomen.
Rectus abdominis : A paired vertical muscle running along the front of the abdomen, enclosed by the rectus sheath. It forms the prominent central muscle of the anterior abdominal wall.
Intra-abdominal pressure : The pressure within the abdominal cavity, influenced by its contents, the diaphragm, and the abdominal wall. Contracting the wall raises this pressure to support trunk functions and forceful expiration.
Abdominal examination : A clinical assessment of the abdomen using inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Inspection and palpation assess wall movement, tenderness, and defects.
Inguinal hernia : Protrusion of abdominal contents through the inguinal canal, often into the groin. It passes through a region where the lower abdominal wall has a natural opening.
External oblique muscle : The most superficial flat muscle of the lateral abdominal wall, with fibers running inferomedially. Its broad sheet forms the outer muscular layer on each side.
Valsalva maneuver : A forced exhalation against a closed airway that raises pressure in the chest and abdomen. Abdominal muscle contraction helps generate the pressure used in this maneuver.
Abdominal incision : A surgical cut through the abdominal wall to reach organs or other structures inside the abdomen. Incisions cross specific wall layers and are chosen to balance access with healing.
Umbilical hernia : Protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness at the umbilicus. The umbilical ring is a potential weak point in the anterior wall.
Internal oblique muscle : A flat muscle of the lateral abdominal wall, deep to the external oblique, with fibers running generally superomedially. It lies between the external oblique and transversus abdominis.
Trunk rotation : Rotation of the torso around its longitudinal axis, produced by coordinated trunk muscles. The oblique muscles of the wall contribute to turning the torso.
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