Summary ANATOMY OF THE HUMAN ABDOMEN

The abdominal wall  Encloses the abdominal cavity.  Divided into anterolateral and posterior sections. The abdominal wall Functions Forms a firm flexible containment for the abdominal viscera in the abdominal cavity and assists the viscera in maintaining their anatomical position against gravity. Protects the abdominal viscera from injury. Assists in forceful expiration by pushing the abdominal viscera upwards. Involved in actions like coughing, vomiting, defecation that increases intra-abdominal pressure. LAYERS OF ANTEROLATERAL ABDOMINAL WALL Four main layers(From External to Internal) Skin Superficial fascia Muscles and associated fascia Parietal peritoneum. Superficial Fascia This is connective tissue. Above the umbilicus  A single sheet of connective tissue. It is continuous with the superficial fascia in other regions of the body. Below the umbilicus Divided into two layers; the fatty superficial layer (Camper’s fascia) and the membranous deep layer (Scarpa’s fascia). The superficial vessels and nerves run between these two layers of fascia.