The upper abdomen, a critical region of the human body, houses several vital organs and structures. It is the area of the belly roughly between the ribs and the belly button.
Muscles
The muscles of the abdomen protect vital organs underneath and provide structure for the spine. These muscles help the body bend at the waist. The major muscles of the abdomen include the rectus abdominis in front, the external obliques at the sides, and the latissimus dorsi muscles in the back.
Major Organs
1. Stomach: The stomach sits in the upper abdomen on the left side of the body. It plays a crucial role in digestion, turning food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.
2. Liver: Located in the upper right-hand part of the abdominal cavity, under the ribs, the liver is best known for processing blood, separating waste from nutrients.
3. Gallbladder: A small sack under the liver, the gallbladder holds extra bile made by the liver until it is pumped into the small intestine. Bile helps break down fat.
4. Pancreas: This gland produces enzymes to help your body digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also makes hormones that help regulate the distribution of nutrients, including sugar.
5. Kidneys: Located near the back of the body, under the ribs, on each side of the spine, kidneys filter waste out of the bloodstream, which is passed out of the body as urine. They also help regulate levels of electrolytes, like salt and potassium, and produce certain hormones.
6. Spleen: The spleen, located in the upper left quadrant, plays a crucial role in the immune system.
Other Structures
1. Bile Ducts: These structures carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
2. Adrenal Glands: Located on top of the kidneys, these glands synthesize and se
