Dorothy FarrarAbdominal wall
The human abdominal wall is made up of three layers, which consist of different types of tissue. At the same time, those layers ensure that the abdominal cavity and the abdominal organs contained therein are delimited.
Definition
The abdominal wall delimits and encloses the abdomen and further connects the chest and the pelvis . The abdominal wall itself is divided into three areas; this includes the lateral (side), dorsal (back) and ventral (front) area. However, the term abdominal wall mainly refers to the lateral and ventral sections.
The lateral as well as the ventral areas contain no bones ; the tendons and muscles mainly carry the load. The organs located in the abdomen are covered by the peritoneum and subsequently exert pressure, with the abdominal muscles counteracting this.
Anatomy
The cutis, the superficial layer of the abdominal wall, is also known as the leather or epidermis. Below the cutis lies the subcutis. That layer of skin is made up of fat and connective tissue and the abdominal fascia. The connective tissue itself is traversed by nerves and blood vessels.
The middle layer of the abdominal wall consists of the transverse fascia and the rectus sheath. Furthermore, the abdominal wall layer consists of various abdominal muscles. These include the external oblique muscle, the transversus abdominal muscle, the internal oblique muscle and the rectus abdominal muscle.
The rectus sheath also contains muscles, vessels and nerves. The third (or deep) layer of the abdominal wall contains the peritoneum or peritoneum, which completely lines the abdominal cavity as it progresses. The so-called peritoneum lies – together with the parietal peritoneum – on the inner abdominal fascia. The visceral peritoneum, on the other hand, covers the abdominal organs located in the abdomen.
Function
The functions of the abdominal wall are diverse. However, it mainly serves to protect the organs in the abdominal cavity. These include the gallbladder , stomach , intestines , liver , spleen and pancreas . In the hypodermis, the subcutis, fat is stored as a so-called energy store.
In the further course, the storage of fat also provides protection against heat loss. The middle layer, on the other hand, ensures trunk mobility and subsequently enables upper body rotation. Furthermore, the middle layer, also known as the muscular layer, stabilizes the muscles of the back and spine .
The musculature also helps the abdominal wall with any disturbances in emptying the bladder, but also serves to support the emptying of the bladder . The abdominal press can also be used during the birth of a child; finally, the press increases the effect of the contractions.
Diseases
- Hernia
Different diseases or damage that occurs directly on the abdominal wall lead to different symptoms. These include abdominal pain, which occurs mainly when lifting heavy loads or when coughing. Abdominal pain can be caused by tears in the different layers; sometimes a hernia – a fracture – can be responsible for the symptoms that occur. In the case of a hernia, tumors form at the so-called fracture point, which are referred to as classic protuberances.
The abdominal wall also has weak points, which are sometimes more prone to injury. This includes the groin and navel area. Umbilical hernias or inguinal hernias occur again and again – in the context of high loads. However, this is not a broken bone, but a hernia.
However, a hernia can also occur as part of postoperative laparoschisis. A gap appears, which can be seen in the layers of tissue. That cleft occurs during a surgical procedure and often leads to inflammation of the abdominal wall. If the peritoneum is irritated, the patient complains of dizziness , nausea and vomiting .
If there is ascites, fluid accumulates in the peritoneum, so that swelling of the entire abdomen occurs in the further course. Another inflammation of the peritoneum can be caused by appendicitis, among other things.
If the middle layer is too weak, the patient primarily complains of back pain . This is because the lumbar spine bends forward and the patient suffers from a hollow back. This not only leads to damage to the intervertebral discs , but can also cause severe tension .
Sometimes different tumor diseases can also occur in the abdomen, with those primarily affecting the abdominal organs located behind the abdominal wall.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.