Epigastrium
Encyclopedia
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 anatomical regions of the abdomen
, along with the right and left hypochondria
, right and left lateral regions (or flanks), right and left inguinal regions (or fossae), and the umbilical and pubic regions.
During breathing the diaphragm contracts and flattens, displacing the viscera and producing an outward movement of the upper abdominal wall (epigastric region). It is a convergence of the diaphragm and the abdominals, so that ″when both sets of muscles (diaphragm and abdominals) tense, the epigastrium pushes forward.″ Therefore, the epigastric region is not a muscle nor is it an organ, but it is a zone of activity where the actions of the rectus abdominus and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the upper abdominal wall. It is also the spot where the Heimlich Maneuver is able to produce a rapid and forceful exhalation of breath.
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane
Subcostal plane
The subcostal plane is a transverse plane which bisects the body at the level of the costal margin.-External links:* http://www.liv.ac.uk/HumanAnatomy/phd/mbchb/travel/surface1.html* http://www.qub.ac.uk/cskills/Abd%20exam.htm...
.
The epigastrium is one of the nine anatomical regions of the abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
, along with the right and left hypochondria
Hypochondrium
The hypochondrium is the upper part of the abdomen dorsal to the lowest ribs of the thorax. The word derives from the Greek term ὑποχονδρος hupochondros, meaning abdomen, or literally under cartilage.The liver is found in the right hypochondrium....
, right and left lateral regions (or flanks), right and left inguinal regions (or fossae), and the umbilical and pubic regions.
During breathing the diaphragm contracts and flattens, displacing the viscera and producing an outward movement of the upper abdominal wall (epigastric region). It is a convergence of the diaphragm and the abdominals, so that ″when both sets of muscles (diaphragm and abdominals) tense, the epigastrium pushes forward.″ Therefore, the epigastric region is not a muscle nor is it an organ, but it is a zone of activity where the actions of the rectus abdominus and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the upper abdominal wall. It is also the spot where the Heimlich Maneuver is able to produce a rapid and forceful exhalation of breath.