Epigastrium

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).

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, which also marks the upper limit of the umbilical region.

Organs

Several organs or parts of organs are located in the epigastric region, including:

• Part of the liver
• The stomach
• The duodenum
• Part of the pancreas
• The adrenal glands
• Part of the kidneys
• The spleen

Clinical significance

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.

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.

See also

• Abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Anatomical terminology

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