Corpus: Abdominal cavity

The term abdominal cavity refers to the anatomical space that houses the abdominal organs.

2.1. Boundaries

The abdominal cavity is enclosed by the following structures:

• Cranially: the diaphragm
• Caudally: the pelvis and the pelvic floor
• Ventrally and laterally: the abdominal wall
• Dorsally: the lumbar spine, the quadratus lumborum muscle, and the psoas major and minor muscles

The boundaries of the abdominal cavity are primarily made up of soft tissues. However, bony structures such as the spinal column, iliac bones, and parts of the rib cage provide some protection.

2.2. Classification

The abdominal cavity is subdivided into:

• Peritoneal cavity (cavitas peritonealis): This part of the abdominal cavity is lined by the peritoneum, a thin serous membrane. It contains the intraperitoneal abdominal organs.
• Retroperitoneal space (spatium retroperitoneale): This is the space located behind the peritoneal cavity. It contains fatty and connective tissue, along with the retroperitoneal abdominal organs.

• 3D model brachial plexus - anatomical situs; Dr Claudia Krebs (Faculty Lead) University of British Columbia