Abdominal Cavity: the largest cavity in the body

• Contains the stomach, small & large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, ureters, bladder, adrenal glands & major vessels

*Females also have uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

• The esophagus lies outside of the abdominal cavity but is vital to the GI tract

• The peritoneum lines the abdomen and is a protective covering, has two layers:

1. Parietal peritoneum: lines the abdominal wall

2. Visceral peritoneum: covers the organs

*peritoneal cavity is in between these two layers & contains serous fluid

Muscles of Abdomen

• Rectus abdominis muscles form the anterior of the abdomen

• Vertebral & lumbar muscles form the posterior abdomen

• Internal & external obliques form the lateral border

• External oblique aponeurosis is a strong membrane that covers the ventral surface of the abdomen & lies above rectus abdominis

• Linea alba is a protective, tendinous band down the middle of the abdomen that is formed from fibers from both sides of the aponeurosis (xiphoid process???? symphsis pubis) 

• Superior border= diaphragm & inferior border is lesser pelvis 

Alimentary Tract

-mouth to the anus, main functions are to ingest & digest food, absorb nutrients & water, and excrete wastes. Includes:

• Esophagus: about 10 inches long from the pharynx to stomach (pH of 6-8)

• Stomach: contents from esophagus enter through lower esophageal sphincter & mixes with digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (pH 2-4). Pyloric sphincter regulates outflow of chyme into the sm. Intestine (duodenum)

• Small Intestine: longest section of alimentary tract, ingested food is mixed, digested and absorbed. Has three segments:

1. Duodenum:

2. Jejunum

3. Ileum

• Large Intestine (Colon) & Rectum: ascending, transverse and descending. Absorbs water and electrolytes

Accessory Organs

• Liver: largest organ in the body and is divided into left and right lobes