Name

Abdominal wall

This definition applies to

All SEER websites where this term appears

Definition

There are two sections of the abdominal wall

The anterior abdominal wall forms the anterior limit of the abdominal viscera and is defined superiorly by the xiphoid process of the sternum and costal cartilages and inferiorly by the iliac crest and pubic bones of the pelvis.

The posterior abdominal wall is a musculoskeletal structure with numerous vascular and lymphatic structures formed by the lumbar vertebrae and their intervertebral discs, pelvic girdle, posterior abdominal wall muscles and their fascia. It supports the retroperitoneal viscera and neurovascular structures.

It should be noted that the posterior abdominal wall does not have a consensus definition and the psoas and quadratus lumborum muscles are sometimes included as the posterior compartment of the retroperitoneum

Resource

Title: Radiopaedia
Radiology dictionary

Alternate Names

None

Abstractor Notes

None

Histology

None

Primary Sites

C495 Connective, subcutaneous and other soft tissues of pelvis
Glossary