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abdomen
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the anterior region of a person’s trunk between the diaphragm and pelvis
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aerophagia
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swallowing air
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anorexia
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loss of appetite
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bloating
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a feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdomen
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borborygmus
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abdominal sound, described as stomach growling, heard without a stethoscope
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caput medusae
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distended veins that extend from the umbilicus
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constipation
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a condition characterized by uncomfortable, infrequent bowel movements
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Cullen sign
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ecchymosis in the subcutaneous fatty tissue below the umbilicus, indicating hemorrhagic pancreatitis
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defecation
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the process of eliminating waste from the body through the rectum and anus
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diarrhea
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frequent, loose, watery stool
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dysuria
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pain or discomfort with urination
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ecchymosis
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bruising
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emesis
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the forceful expulsion of the food contents out of the stomach through the mouth
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fascia
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thin, fibrous connective tissue
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flatulence
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intestinal gas passed through the rectum
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fluid wave
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a test to check for free fluid in the abdomen
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gastric cancer
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stomach cancer
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Grey Turner sign
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ecchymosis along the flank associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis
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hematemesis
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vomiting of blood
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hematochezia
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bloody stool
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hepatomegaly
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enlarged liver
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hernia
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an abdominal organ, usually the intestine, pushed through the muscle of the abdominal wall
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hollow viscera
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organs that are hollow tubes or pouches
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hyperactive bowel sounds
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may indicate bowel obstruction or gastroenteritis
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hyperpnea
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forced breathing
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hypoactive bowel sounds
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may be present with constipation, after abdominal surgery, peritonitis, or paralytic ileus
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inferior vena cava (IVC)
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the body’s largest vein; carries blood to the heart from the bottom half of the body back to the heart; located in the posterior abdominal wall to the right of the aorta
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intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)
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the steady pressure within the abdominal cavity that occurs from the interaction of the abdominal wall and viscera
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left lower quadrant (LLQ)
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houses the lower part of the large intestine (descending colon), sigmoid colon, and the left ovary and fallopian tube in females
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left upper quadrant (LUQ)
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houses the stomach, the spleen, pancreas, portions of the small intestine and large intestine, and a portion of the liver
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melena
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dark, tarry stools, often associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
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nausea
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the sensation of discomfort and unease in the stomach that is often accompanied by the urge to vomit
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naval
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umbilicus
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nephromegaly
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enlarged kidney
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peristalsis
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the wavelike movement of the gastrointestinal system to move contents forward
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peritoneal space
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the layer of tissue that surrounds the abdomen
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protuberant
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convex or bulging abdomen
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rebound tenderness
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the clinician maintains pressure over an area of tenderness and then withdraws the hand abruptly; if the patient winces with pain upon withdrawal of the hand, the test is positive
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right lower quadrant (RLQ)
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houses the appendix, part of the large intestine (cecum and ascending colon), the right ovary and fallopian tube in females
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right upper quadrant (RUQ)
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houses the liver, gallbladder, and portions of the small intestine and large intestine
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rigidity
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involuntary contraction of the abdominal musculature in response to peritoneal inflammation; it is a reflex the patient cannot control
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scaphoid
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sunken abdomen
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solid viscera
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solid organ
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splenomegaly
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enlarged spleen
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striae
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white or silvery elongated marks that occur when the skin stretches, especially during pregnancy or excessive weight gain
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viscera
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an organ in the abdomen
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visceromegaly
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the abnormal enlargement of abdominal organs
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voluntary guarding
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voluntary contraction of the abdominal wall musculature, usually the result of fear, anxiety, or the touch of cold hands