-al; -ial, -eal

Any of four topographic areas of the abdomen divided by two imaginary lines, one vertical and one horizontal, intersecting at the umbilicus, or belly button. as determined from the front of the body.

The divisions are the left upper quadrant (LUQ), the left lower quadrant (LLQ), the right upper quadrant (RUQ), and the right lower quadrant (RLQ).

• Left upper quadrant (LUQ): left lobe of liver, stomach, transverse colon, splenic flexure, pancreas, left kidney, and spleen.
• Left lower quadrant (LLQ): small intesine, left ureter, sigmoid flexure, descending colon, bladder if distended, left spermatic duct in the male; left ovary and left tube, and uterus if enlarged, in the female.
• Richt upper quadrant (RUQ): right lobe of the liver, gallbladder, part of transverse colon, part of pylorus, hepatic flexure, right kidney, and duodenum.
• Right lower quadrant (RLQ): cecum, ascending colon, small intestine, appendix, bladder if distended, right ureter, right spermatic duct in the male; right ovary and right tube, and uterus if enlarged, in the female.

An involuntary contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall: Abdominal reflexes occur when the overlying skin is stimulated by stroking or scratching or by tapping neighboring bony structures.

A lack of these reflexes indicates damage to the pyramidal tract or the projection neurones in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of the brain or two groups of nerve fibers that participate in the complex and delicate coordination of motor activity arising in the brain and passing down through the spinal cord to motor cells.

The emergency cesarean delivery of a baby endanged during child labor or unsuccessful vaginal birth: Indications for the need of an abdominal rescue include fetal distress (fetal hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the fetus) associated with dystocia (difficult or painful childbirth labor or delivery), arrested descent (interruption in the labor process), abruptio placentae (placenta prematurely separating from the wall of the uterus), or umbilical cord prolapse (slipping or falling out of place).

A flat absorbent material from 1/2 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) thick, 3 to 6 in. (7.62 to 15.24 cm) in diameter, used as packing to prevent closing or obstruction by intrusion of viscera and for preventing tissue injury: During the operation, abdominal sponges were used to soak up excess fluids.

An ultrasonic exam which provides accurate visualization of the abdominal aorta, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, biliary ducts, kidneys, ureters, and bladder: An abdominal ultrasound test is used to diagnose and locate cysts, tumors, calculi, and malformations, to document the progression of various diseases, and to guide the insertion of instruments during surgical procedures.

The soft internal organs contained or enclosed within the abdominal cavity: The abdominal viscera include the stomach, liver, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and parts of the urinary and reproductive tracts.

1. The outer margins of the abdomen, extending from the osteocartilaginous thoracic cage to the pelvis: Although its major part is muscular, the abdominal wall consists of at least seven layers: the skiln, subcutaneous fat, deep fascia, abdominal muscles, transversalis fascia, extraperitoneal fat, and the parietal peritoneum.

2. The lining of the abdomen, consisting partly of bone but mostly of muscle: Several sets of muscles support and propel the torso or body, for example the abdominal wall muscles which help transfer force between the upper and lower body, and they also protect the delicate internal organs, and their most important function is to support the back.

The muscles of the torso extend in several directions and they help to maintain the posture and aid the spinal muscles when bending, twisting, and when doing other movements.

A reference to the abdomen and the genital organs: Susan went to her gynaecologist for an examination relating to the abdominogenital areas in her body.

Relating to both abdomen and perineum: James was in hospital and an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum was performed.

The "perineum" is the region between the thighs; in the female between the vulva and the anus; in males, between the scrotum and the anus.

Relating to the abdomen and the external sac or pouch of skin enclosing the male testes in most mammals: In her biology class at school, Anita learned about the abdominoscrotal area in warm-blooded vertebrates, but also found out that the scrotum is absent in whales and seals.

Relating to both the abdomen and the vagina: When Lynn was at the gynaecologist's for her yearly checkup, Dr. Smith told her that her abdominovaginal area was perfectly healthy and didn't need any medical treatment.

Relating to the abdomen and urinary bladder: Since Kitty was having some pain when urinating, or micturating, she went to her doctor who said that she had abdominovesical irritations which had to be treated.

Characterized by deviating or turning away from what is considered to be normal, usual, or expected; normally, something that is not welcome: The officials described the students' violence at the demonstration as an aberrational disagreement.

A reference to inanimate or non-living things: Rocks, for example are abiological and have not been created by organisms.

Relating to, or a reference to, blindness or a lack of vision; ableptic: Dr. Small told Lynn about the ableptical symptoms that would appear in the later development of her condition of AMD.