ABDOMEN

The partion of the body between the lower part of the chest and the pelvis. This oval-shaped cavity is separated from the chest by the diaphragm. Heavy muscles protect the abdomen in the fron and sides, and the spinal column with its muscles protects it in back.

The abdoment is lined by a membrane, the peritoneum. The stomach, large and small intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, urinary bladder, major blood vessels, and nerves lie within the abdomen. Many people call this area by the common term belly.

The function of abdominal organs is digestion of food, absorption of nutrients by the body, and elimination of indigestible substances and wastes. In the female, the sexual organs are also located within the abdomen, whereas the male sex organs lie adjacent to it.

The abdominal walls not only protect the organs but hold them in place so that they can function properly.