PA Anatomy: Abdomen: Summary

Summary:

1. Hernias occur at points of weakness, such as in the posterior part of the diaphragm (Bochdalek hernia), and embryology can help in figuring out weak points

3. Normal vessels should not be visible on a KUB (abdominal radiograph)-if they are visible, they might have calcification of their walls (atherosclerosis)

4. The different embryologic portions of the gut (foregut, midgut and hindgut) each have their own artery (celiac, SMA and IMA) and these vessels can be recognized on angiograms or CT if you know their paths and branching patterns

5. The venous drainage of the gut is into the portal system, and can be blocked by thrombus, or can contain air in cases of breakdown of bowel wall (pneumatosis)

6. Ascites is fluid in the peritoneal space, and can be caused by cirrhosis, which can cause backup of flow in the portal system, leading to formation of abnormal connections to allow blood to bypass the liver