-al [-ial, -eal]

Free of bacteria; without bacteria: "The wound had been cleaned and was now considered an abacterial injury."

Referring to the largest hollow space of the body, between the diaphragm (any of several large muscles, found in humans and other mammals) and the top of the pelvic cavity and surrounded by the spine and the abdominal muscles and others (muscles of the front and side walls of the abdominal cavity).

The holding together of tissue surfaces of abdominal organs, usually involving the intestines and causing an obstruction.

The condition may be a result of surgery or the result of a trauma or chronic inflammation. The patient with this condition experiences an abdominal distention, pain, nausea, vomiting, plus an increased pulse rate which might require surgery to improve the person's situation.

The largest arterial conduit (channel) below the diaphragm.

This term refers to the portion of the aorta (largest artery in the body) below the diaphragm to the bifurcation (split into two parts) into the right and left common iliac arteries or the upper and largest, part of the bony pelvic girdle.

It supplies blood to the abdominal viscera, pelvic organs, and lower extremities.

The abdominal aorta provides blood to the abdominal structures; such as, the testes, ovaries, kidneys, and stomach.

A distended and weakened area in the wall of the abdominal aorta, more common in those who suffer from atherosclerosis or the progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time.

This is known to occur to some degree with aging, but other risk factors that accelerate this process have been identified; including: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history for atherosclerotic disease.

A radiographic (x-ray or gamma ray) study of the abdominal aorta after the introduction of a contrast medium through a catheter in the femoral artery.

The conjoined sheet-like tendons of the oblique and transverse muscles of the abdomen.

The arteries that branch from the forward surface of the abdominal aorta to supply the abdominal part of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

The celiac artery supplies the front part of the intestine, the superior mesenteric artery supplies the middle intestine, and the inferior (lower) mesenteric artery supplies the back section of the intestine.

A broad multilayered absorbent gauze or other material commonly used after abdominal surgery.

A bandage or elasticized wrap that is applied around the lower part of the torso to support the abdomen.

It is sometimes applied after abdominal surgery to decrease discomfort, and so it increases a patient's ability to begin ambulatory activities and and to increase recovery.

1. Breathing in which the abdominal muscles perform the major part of the respiratory effort.

Such breathing may be seen in various abnormal conditions; such as, cerebrovascular accident, spinal cord injury, and coma.

Singers practice this method so they can enhance their vocal performances.

2. Breathing which is supplemented by abdominal wall muscles that compress the contents of the abdomen and indirectly raise the diaphragm.

This kind of deep breathing is shown by the expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing.

It is generally considered a healthier and fuller way to ingest oxygen, and it is often used as a therapy for hyperventilation, anxiety disorders and stuttering.

1. The cavity or space within the abdominal walls.
2. The space between the abdominal wall and the spine which contains a number of crucial organs, including the lower part of the esophagus, the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder; as well as, associated tissues and blood and lymphatic vessels all of which are surrounded by the abdominal fascia (the flat band of fibrous tissue below the skin that covers the underlying tissues and separates the different layers of tissue).

1. Part of the ventral cavity that contains the major organs of digestion; including: the lower part of the esophagus, the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, and bladder.
2. Etymology: from Latin abdomen, abdominis, "belly" and from medical Latin abdominalis.

For additional information, see these abdomen, abdominal, abdominal cavity terms in this abdomin- unit.

A general term for severe abdominal pain resulting from several possible causes.

It usually refers to pain which occurs during sickle cell anemia crisis or that results from syphilis.

A physical exercise similar to a sit-up in which the head and shoulders are raised slightly off the ground from a supine position or while lying on the back.