Division of abdominal regions and various planes Flashcards
Describe and demonstrate 9 regions of the abdomen
Mid-clavicular planes are drawn from mid-clavicular to mid-inguinal points.
The subcostal plane is drawn as a horizontal line joining right and left costal margins in the mid-axillary.
The transtubercular plane is drawn as a horizontal line joining right and left iliac tubercles.
The 9 regions formed are:
Right hypochondriac region — Epigastric region — Left hypochondriac region
Right lumbar region — Umbilical region — Left lumbar region
Right iliac/inguinal region — Hypogastric/Suprapubic region — Left iliac/inguinal region
Describe and demonstrate four quadrants of the abdomen
In current clinical practice, the abdomen is usually divided into four quadrants by drawing vertical and horizontal lines passing through the umbilicus.
The vertical line is drawn between the xiphisternum and symphysis pubis, in the sagittal plane.
The horizontal line is drawn through the umbilicus in the transumbilical plane.
The 4 quadrants are:
Right Upper — Left Upper
Right Lower — Left Lower
This is somewhat approximate because the position of the umbilicus is quite variable, but it is precise enough for most clinical purposes.
What is the vertebral level of the xiphisternal joint?
T8/9
What is the vertebral level of the midpoint between inferior angle of scapula and top of iliac crest (posteriorly)?
T12
What is the vertebral level of the transpyloric plane?
L1
What is the vertebral level of the tip of 9th costal cartilage?
L1
What is the vertebral level of the sub-costal plane (rib 10)?
L2/3
What is the vertebral level of the umbilicus?
L3/4
What is the vertebral level of the supra-cristal plane?
L4
What is the vertebral level of the transtubercular plane?
L5
What is the vertebral level of the ASIS and PSIS/ sacral dimple?
S2
What is the vertebral level of the mid-point of sacroiliac joint?
S2
How may L1 be palpated?
On the posterior body wall, the T12 vertebral level is roughly halfway between the inferior angle of the scapula and the highest point of the iliac crest at the scapular line. From this landmark, L1 vertebra can be located by palpating one spine down.
