| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Inguinal ligament | This structure passes from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle. It is formed from the abdominal aponeuroses folding upon themselves. This folding results in a stronger structure. The inguinal canal passes through this structure. |
| Intertubercular plane | There are two transverse planes commonly used to divide the abdomen into nine regions for study purposes. This is the name for the inferior of these two planes. It is at the level of lumbar 5 vertebral body. It may also be called the transtubercular plane. |
| Costal margin | This is the name for the inferior edge of the rib cage. It includes the costal cartilages of ribs 7, 8, 9 and 10. At the midaxillary line it is at the level of rib 10. |
| Abdominal Regions | These abdominal areas are defined for study purposes. Two transverse planes and two parasagittal planes are used to define these areas. The superior transverse plane is called the subcostal plane and it is at the level of the body of L3 vertebra. The inferior plane is the intertubercular (transtubercular) plane and it is at the level of L5 body. The two parasagittal planes are midclavicular. These divide the abdomen into 9 areas. |
| McBurney's | This landmark is about 2 inches along the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the umbilicus, starting at the ASIS. This is roughly one third of the length of that line. Deep to this is normally where one would find the appendix. Extreme tenderness at this landmark is usually an indication of appendicitis. |
| Linea Alba | This feature runs along the midline on the anterior side of the abdomen from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. It is where the aponeuroses of the three abdominal muscles from one side insert on the other side. The umbilicus is part of this structure. |
| Iliacus muscle | This muscle is important because it is part of the composite muscle the iliopsoas, which is the prime flexor of the thigh. The origin is mostly the iliac fossa and a little on the ala of the sacrum. It inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur. It is served by the femoral nerve. The actions of this muscle include it being the prime flexor of thigh, flexor of trunk, and lateral flexion of vertebral column. |
| Inguinal canal | This feature is an oblique tubular passage from the body cavity to the subcutaneous area between the thigh and the pelvis. In males it is important because it is through this that the testicle descends to the scrotum during development. After that it has the spermatic cord passing through it. In females vessels, lymphatics and nerves pass through this structure as well as containing the round ligament of the uterus. It is potentially problematic because this is where inguinal hernias occur. |
| Pubic tubercle | This structure is of significance because it is the place where the inferior end of the inguinal ligament attaches. It is the origin for adductor longus. |
| Inguinal hernia | This is the name for the situation when abdominal structures descend through the inguinal canal to the subcutaneous area inferior to the canal. In males the structure may end up in the scrotal sac. This condition is significantly more common in males due to the fact that several structures pass through the inguinal canal, while in females only the round ligament of the uterus and some small blood vessels pass through. |
| Iliac tubercle | The anterior portion of outer lip of this landmark is the origin for the tensor fasciae latae. |
| Iliopsoas muscle | This muscle is a combination of the psoas major and the iliacus. It is the prime flexor of the thigh. |
| Hypogastric region | If one were to divide the abdomen into 9 segments, this segment would be the inferior middle region of the abdomen, having the left and right iliac regions lateral to it. It is sometimes called the pubic region. |
| Abdominal press | This action occurs when the muscles of the abdominal wall contract at the same time. The increase in abdominal pressure aids in several activities that include; expiration, coughing, regurgitation, micturition, defecation parturition |
| Epigastric region | If one were to divide the abdomen into 9 segments, this segment would be the superior middle region of the abdomen, having the left and right hypochondriac regions lateral to it. |
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