Epigastrium: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:59, 13 February 2025

Epigastrium[edit]

Diagram of the epigastric region

The epigastrium is the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane. The epigastrium is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, which are used to help localize abdominal pain and other symptoms.

Anatomy[edit]

The epigastrium is bordered superiorly by the xiphoid process of the sternum, laterally by the midclavicular lines, and inferiorly by the transpyloric plane. It is situated above the umbilical region and below the sternum.

Organs[edit]

Several important organs are located in the epigastric region, including:

The stomach, which is primarily responsible for digestion.
The liver, particularly the left lobe.
The pancreas, which plays a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions.
The duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
The spleen, although it is more laterally located.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Pain in the epigastric region can be indicative of various medical conditions. Common causes of epigastric pain include:

Due to the proximity of the epigastrium to the heart, pain in this area can sometimes be confused with cardiac pain, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Epigastrium''' is an anatomical term that refers to the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the [[costal margins]] and the [[subcostal plane]]. This area is approximately equivalent to the lower part of the [[thorax]] (chest).
+== Epigastrium ==
+[[File:Gray1220.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the epigastric region]]
+The '''epigastrium''' is the upper central region of the [[abdomen]]. It is located between the [[costal margins]] and the [[subcostal plane]]. The epigastrium is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, which are used to help localize abdominal pain and other symptoms.
 == Anatomy ==
-The epigastrium is one of the nine anatomical regions of the abdomen, which are used to more precisely describe the location of abdominal organs, or for diagnosing abdominal pain or discomfort. It is the uppermost of the three regions that comprise the central column, the other two being the [[umbilical region]] and the [[hypogastric region]] (or pubic region).
+The epigastrium is bordered superiorly by the [[xiphoid process]] of the [[sternum]], laterally by the [[midclavicular lines]], and inferiorly by the [[transpyloric plane]]. It is situated above the [[umbilical region]] and below the [[sternum]].
-The epigastrium is bordered superiorly by the [[xiphoid process]] of the [[sternum]], laterally by the [[midclavicular lines]], and inferiorly by the [[transpyloric plane]], which also marks the upper limit of the [[umbilical region]].
+=== Organs ===
-== Organs ==
+Several important organs are located in the epigastric region, including:
-Several organs or parts of organs are located in the epigastric region, including:
+* The [[stomach]], which is primarily responsible for digestion.
+* The [[liver]], particularly the left lobe.
+* The [[pancreas]], which plays a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions.
+* The [[duodenum]], the first part of the [[small intestine]].
+* The [[spleen]], although it is more laterally located.
-* Part of the [[liver]]
+== Clinical Significance ==
-* The [[stomach]]
-* The [[duodenum]]
-* Part of the [[pancreas]]
-* The [[adrenal glands]]
-* Part of the [[kidneys]]
-* The [[spleen]]
-== Clinical significance ==
+Pain in the epigastric region can be indicative of various medical conditions. Common causes of epigastric pain include:
-Pain in the epigastrium can be a symptom of various conditions, including [[peptic ulcer]], [[gallstones]], [[pancreatitis]], [[myocardial infarction]] (heart attack), [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), and [[gastritis]].
+* [[Gastritis]]
+* [[Peptic ulcer disease]]
+* [[Pancreatitis]]
+* [[Gallbladder disease]]
+* [[Myocardial infarction]]
-[[Epigastric hernia]] is a type of hernia which may develop in the epigastrium. It is a condition where fat pushes through a weak part of the abdominal wall.
+Due to the proximity of the epigastrium to the heart, pain in this area can sometimes be confused with cardiac pain, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
-== See also ==
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Abdomen]]
+* [[Abdominal regions]]
-* [[Abdominal pain]]
+* [[Gastroenterology]]
-* [[Anatomical terminology]]
+* [[Digestive system]]
 [[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Abdomen]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}