Picture of Abdomen
The abdomen (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. Thediaphragmforms the upper surface of the abdomen. At the level of the pelvic bones, the abdomen ends and the pelvis begins.
The abdomen contains all the digestive organs, including the stomach, small and largeintestines, pancreas,liver, and gallbladder. These organs are held together loosely by connecting tissues (mesentery) that allow them to expand and to slide against each other. The abdomen also contains the kidneys and spleen.
Many important blood vessels travel through the abdomen, including theaorta, inferior vena cava, and dozens of their smaller branches. In the front, the abdomen is protected by a thin, tough layer of tissue called fascia. In front of the fascia are the abdominal muscles and skin. In the rear of the abdomen are the back muscles.