Word parts
What it means
Describes anything about the belly. The abdominal cavity holds the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and, at the back, the kidneys. For examination it is divided into four quadrants, such as the right upper quadrantRYTE UP-er KWAH-druntThe upper right quarter of the belly, from the person's own point of view, when it is divided into four parts at the navel.Full entry .
For the nurse
Examine the abdomen in this order: look, listen (bowel sounds), then tap and feel. Listening before touching keeps the bowel sounds from being changed by the exam. Report a hard, swollen or very tender belly.
At a glance
| Spanish | abdominal |
|---|---|
| Also written | abdominally |
Related terms
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
auscultation
Listening to the sounds inside the body, usually with a stethoscope.
palpation
Examining the body by touching and pressing with the hands and fingers.
right upper quadrant
The upper right quarter of the belly, from the person's own point of view, when it is divided into four parts at the navel.