Suffering in the epigastric region: Epigastralgia describes the pain in the area above the stomach between the right and left hypochondriac regions (the anatomic area of the upper abdomen just below (Greek hypo, "below") the cartilage (Greek chondros, "cartilage" or the rubbery tissue) between the ribs.

Hypochondriasis was thought by the ancients to be caused by the disturbed function of the spleen and other organs in the upper abdomen.