What it means
The belly. It holds the stomach, small intestineSMAWL in-TES-tinThe long, narrow part of the bowel between the stomach and the large intestine, where most digestion and absorption happen.Full entry , colonKOH-lunThe main part of the large intestine, between the small intestine and the rectum.col/o colonFull entry , liverLIV-erA large organ in the right upper abdomen that processes nutrients, makes bile and clotting factors, and clears drugs and toxins from the blood.hepat/o liverFull entry , gallbladderGAWL-blad-erA small pear-shaped sac under the liver that stores bile and releases it to help digest fat.Full entry , pancreasPAN-kree-usA long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.pan- allcreas fleshFull entry , spleen and kidneys. For assessment it is divided into four quadrants (right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower) by lines through the navel, so findings can be located.
For the nurse
Assess the abdomen in this order: look, listen, then feel. Listening before touching keeps palpation from changing the bowel sounds.
At a glance
| Spanish | abdomen |
|---|---|
| Also written | abdomens |
Related terms
tenderness
Pain or discomfort that is felt when an area of the body is pressed or touched.
intestine
The long tube of the digestive tract between the stomach and the anus, made up of the small and large intestine.
lapar/o
A word root that means abdomen or abdominal wall.
guarding
Tightening of muscles, or protecting a body part with the hands or posture, to avoid pain when it is touched or moved.