abdomin-, abdomino-, abdomen-

1. The part of the human body that contains all of the structures between the chest and the pelvis: The abdomen, or belly, is anatomically separated from the chest by the diaphragm, the powerful muscle that spans the body cavity, just below the lungs.
2. That section of the body that lies between the lower thorax or chest and the pelvis: The abdomen is the area of the body just below the diaphragm which contains the largest cavity in the body.

Also called belly (popular), venter, and stomach (incorrect). Derived from abdo, abdere, "to hide", and so probably originally referred to the "hidden part of the body".

Referring to the largest hollow space of the body between the diaphragm, or any of the several large muscles found in humans and other mammals, and the top of the pelvic cavity and which is surrounded by the spine and the belly muscles and others, or the muscles of the front and side walls of the cavity of the venter: Jane had to go to the doctor because she was experiencing abdominal pains which were making her sick.

Scar tissue inside the peritoneum of the abdominal organs, usually involving the intestines and causing an obstruction: The abdominal adhesion may be a result of surgery or the result of a trauma or chronic inflammation. The patient with this condition experiences a visceral distention, pain, nausea, vomiting, plus an increased pulse rate which might require surgery to improve the person's situation.

The largest arterial conduit, or artery, in the abdominal cavity: The abdominal aorta refers to the portion of the largest artery in the body below the diaphragm to the bifurcation, the right and left common iliac arteries or the upper and largest, part of the bony pelvic girdle.

The abdominal aorta 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: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is 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: After Janet's doctor diagnosed her, she went to hospital to be examined and have an abdominal aortography performed.

The conjoined sheet-like tendons of the oblique and transverse muscles of the abdomen: In Susan's class at college she learned about abdominal aponeurosis and why the fibrous membrane was necessary for the functions to the body.

One of the blood vessels 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 or lower mesenteric artery supplies the back section of the intestine, and altogether are termed the abdominal arteries.

A broad multilayered absorbent gauze or other material commonly used after abdominal surgery: After her operation, Jane's stomach area was protected by an abdominal bandage.

A bandage or elasticized wrap that is applied around the lower part of the torso to support the abdomen: An abdominal binder is sometimes applied after surgery to decrease discomfort, and so it increases a patient's ability to begin ambulatory or walking activities and to increase recovery.

1. Inhalation and exhalation in which the abdominal muscles perform the major part of the respiratory effort: Such abdominal breathing may be seen in various abnormal conditions, such as a cerebrovascular accident, a spinal cord injury, and coma.

Singers practice abdominal breathing so they can enhance their vocal performances.

2. The process of inhaling and exhaling is supplemented by abdominal wall muscles that compress the contents of the abdomen and indirectly raise the diaphragm; diaphragmatic breathing: This kind of deep breathing, or abdominal breathing, is shown by the expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing.

Abdominal breathing 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 space between the stomach area and the spine which contains a number of crucial organs: The abdominal cavity includes 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 flat band of fibrous tissue below the skin that covers the underlying tissues and separates the different layers of tissue.
2. Etymology: from Latin abdomen, abdominis, "belly" and from medical Latin abdominalis.

Severe stomach pain resulting from several possible causes: Abdominal crisis usually refers to pain which is produced by sickle cell anemia, bowel obstruction and / or perforation, hemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, among other sicknesses.

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: At the fitness studio the trainer watched Mary as she performed the abdominal crunch and gave her tips on how to improve her movements.

An obstetric technique in which the abdomen is enclosed in a chamber which permits surrounding pressures to be controlled during the first stage of child labor: Abdominal decompression is intended to reduce pain and to shorten labor during the birth of a child.