The biliary tree comprises the system of ducts that collect and deliver bile from the liver to the descending (second) part of the duodenum. It is conventionally divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary trees. The intrahepatic ducts are formed from…
The liver is the largest of the abdominal viscera, occupying a substantial portion of the upper abdominal cavity. It occupies most of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions and frequently extends into the left hypochondriac region as far as the…
The large intestine extends from the ileocaecal junction to the anus ( Fig. 65.1 ). It begins as the caecum and vermiform appendix, which are usually located in the right iliac fossa. The ascending colon passes superiorly in the right…
Overview The small intestine consists of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. It extends from the pylorus to the ileocaecal junction and has a mean length of 5 metres (3–8.5 metres) when measured intraoperatively in adults ( ). The duodenum extends…
Abdominal Part of the Oesophagus The abdominal part of the oesophagus is 1–2.5 cm long, lies to the left of the midline and is slightly broader at the cardiac orifice than at the oesophageal hiatus, which lies at the level…
The peritoneum is the largest serous membrane in the body. In males the peritoneum forms a closed sac, but in females it is open at the abdominal ostia of the uterine tubes. Its smooth appearance is unremarkable, but its conformation…
Definitions, Boundaries and Contents The posterior abdominal wall has no agreed uniform definition. It is the posterior boundary of the abdominal cavity, and in common with the anterior and lateral abdominal walls, it is composed of several layers (skin, superficial…
The anterior abdominal wall constitutes a curved hexagonal area defined superiorly by the costal arches (margins) and xiphisternal junction, laterally by the mid-axillary line, and inferiorly by an imaginary line running along the iliac crests, inguinal ligament and pubic symphysis.…
General Structure and Function of the Abdominopelvic Cavity Although often considered separately, the abdomen and pelvis form the largest continuous visceral cavity in the body. Together, they provide multiple vital functions including: housing and protection of the digestive and urinary…
Invasive coronary angiography has long been used to map coronary arterial anatomy and associated disease. In this procedure, a contrast agent is instilled into a coronary artery via a catheter inserted into the opening (ostium) of that artery within an…