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'''Hypochondrium''' refers to the upper part of the abdomen on both sides of the body beneath the lower ribs. It is a region of the body that is often associated with discomfort or pain, particularly in conditions such as [[gallstones]] and [[kidney stones]]. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hypo' meaning 'under' and 'chondros' meaning 'cartilage (of the sternum)'.
==Hypochondrium==


== Anatomy ==
The '''hypochondrium''' is an anatomical region of the human body located on the upper part of the abdomen, beneath the [[rib cage]]. It is divided into two sections: the right hypochondrium and the left hypochondrium. These regions are important in clinical medicine as they are often referenced in the context of [[abdominal pain]] and other symptoms.


The hypochondrium is divided into the left and right hypochondrium. The right hypochondrium is mainly occupied by the [[liver]] and [[gallbladder]], while the left hypochondrium houses the [[stomach]] and the [[spleen]]. The [[kidneys]] and [[adrenal glands]] are also located near this region.
[[File:Gray1220.png|Diagram showing the hypochondrium region|thumb|right]]


== Clinical significance ==
==Anatomical Boundaries==


Pain or discomfort in the hypochondrium can be a symptom of various medical conditions. These include:
The hypochondrium is part of the [[abdominal regions]] and is situated laterally to the [[epigastric region]]. The boundaries of the hypochondrium are defined by the lower border of the rib cage superiorly, the [[midclavicular line]] medially, and the [[subcostal plane]] inferiorly. The right and left hypochondria are separated by the epigastric region.


* [[Gallstones]]: These are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, which is located in the right hypochondrium. They can cause severe pain known as biliary colic.
===Right Hypochondrium===


* [[Kidney stones]]: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Pain from kidney stones can radiate to the hypochondrium.
The right hypochondrium is located beneath the right lower ribs and contains important organs such as the [[liver]], [[gallbladder]], and a portion of the [[right kidney]]. It is a common site for pain associated with conditions like [[cholecystitis]], [[hepatitis]], and [[hepatic abscess]].


* [[Hepatitis]]: This is an inflammation of the liver. The liver is located in the right hypochondrium, so hepatitis can cause pain in this area.
===Left Hypochondrium===


* [[Pancreatitis]]: This is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is located near the hypochondrium, so pancreatitis can cause pain in this area.
The left hypochondrium is situated beneath the left lower ribs and houses parts of the [[stomach]], [[spleen]], [[pancreas]], and a portion of the [[left kidney]]. Pain in this area can be indicative of conditions such as [[splenomegaly]], [[gastritis]], or [[pancreatitis]].


* [[Splenic infarction]]: This is a condition in which blood flow to the spleen is blocked, causing it to die. The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium, so a splenic infarction can cause pain in this area.
[[File:Gray1223.png|Illustration of the hypochondrium region|thumb|left]]


== See also ==
==Clinical Significance==
 
The hypochondrium is a significant area in the diagnosis of abdominal conditions. Pain or discomfort in this region can be a symptom of various diseases affecting the organs located within or near the hypochondrium. Physicians often perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[CT scan]] to investigate the underlying cause of hypochondrial pain.
 
===Common Conditions===
 
* '''Right Hypochondrium Pain''': Often associated with [[gallstones]], [[liver disease]], or [[biliary colic]].
* '''Left Hypochondrium Pain''': May be related to [[splenic infarction]], [[gastric ulcers]], or [[pancreatic disorders]].
 
==Related Pages==


* [[Abdominal pain]]
* [[Abdominal pain]]
* [[Upper quadrant]]
* [[Liver]]
* [[Abdomen]]
* [[Spleen]]
* [[Gallbladder]]
* [[Pancreas]]


== References ==
[[File:Gray1034.png|Anatomical diagram of the hypochondrium|thumb|right]]


<references />
==See Also==


{{stub}}
* [[Epigastric region]]
* [[Lumbar region]]
* [[Iliac region]]


[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Abdomen]]
[[Category:Abdomen]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
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File:Gray1223.png|Hypochondrium
File:Gray1034.png|Hypochondrium
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File:Gray1220.png|Hypochondrium
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Latest revision as of 10:57, 23 March 2025

Hypochondrium[edit]

The hypochondrium is an anatomical region of the human body located on the upper part of the abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It is divided into two sections: the right hypochondrium and the left hypochondrium. These regions are important in clinical medicine as they are often referenced in the context of abdominal pain and other symptoms.

Diagram showing the hypochondrium region

Anatomical Boundaries[edit]

The hypochondrium is part of the abdominal regions and is situated laterally to the epigastric region. The boundaries of the hypochondrium are defined by the lower border of the rib cage superiorly, the midclavicular line medially, and the subcostal plane inferiorly. The right and left hypochondria are separated by the epigastric region.

Right Hypochondrium[edit]

The right hypochondrium is located beneath the right lower ribs and contains important organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and a portion of the right kidney. It is a common site for pain associated with conditions like cholecystitis, hepatitis, and hepatic abscess.

Left Hypochondrium[edit]

The left hypochondrium is situated beneath the left lower ribs and houses parts of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and a portion of the left kidney. Pain in this area can be indicative of conditions such as splenomegaly, gastritis, or pancreatitis.

Illustration of the hypochondrium region

Clinical Significance[edit]

The hypochondrium is a significant area in the diagnosis of abdominal conditions. Pain or discomfort in this region can be a symptom of various diseases affecting the organs located within or near the hypochondrium. Physicians often perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to investigate the underlying cause of hypochondrial pain.

Common Conditions[edit]

Related Pages[edit]

Anatomical diagram of the hypochondrium

See Also[edit]