• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

QD Nurses

QD Nurses - Every Day Nurses - NCLEX Review Articles, NCLEX Study Guides, NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students, Nurses, and Healthcare Professionals

  • About
  • Education
  • Social
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Adult Care / Gastrointestinal / The 4 Quadrants and 9 Regions of The Abdomen

The 4 Quadrants and 9 Regions of The Abdomen

posted on February 18, 2020

When studying the body’s anatomy and physiology, you can’t miss the abdominal quadrants of the body. If you aspire to be a healthcare professional in the future, this is a topic you must learn.

For instance, when nurses perform abdominal inspection and assessment, the abdominal region is divided into four quadrants and nine regions.

For aspiring nurses and other healthcare professionals, listen up. Communication and documentation with the medical team require the knowledge of the abdominal quadrants. So this is a MUST-learn topic.

This article will discuss the four abdominal quadrants, nine abdominal regions, and the organs located in the area.

What Are The Four Abdominal Quadrants?

First, visualize an imaginary line, make a cross using the belly button as the “landmark.” This divides the abdomen into four quadrants.

The transverse plane, others call it a transumbilical plane, divides the lower and upper quadrants. The median plane, also known as the midsagittal plane, divides the left and right quadrant.

This will give you the four quadrants:

  • Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
  • Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
  • Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
  • Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Always remember that the “left and right” anatomical perspective is that of the patient’s, not yours. It is not the perspective of the healthcare professional. This should not be mixed up as it may lead to a misdiagnosed disease. Or worse, potential complications on the patient.

The Major Organs in the Abdominal Quadrants

Now that you know the four abdominal quadrants, it is time to learn the organs located in the area. Why is this important? Pain in a specific region is indicative of an underlying disease. Any signs and symptoms arising from the abdominal quadrants can save your patient’s life.

Imagine this table as the four abdominal quadrants. Organs may overlap the four quadrants. For instance, the large and small intestines are located on all four quadrants.

RIGHT UPPER QUADRANT (RUQ)

  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Gallbladder
  • Duodenum
  • Right Kidney
  • Head of Pancreas
  • Right Adrenal Gland
LEFT UPPER QUADRANT (LUQ)

  • Liver 
  • Stomach
  • Body of Pancreas
  • Left Kidney
  • Spleen
  • Left Adrenal Gland
RIGHT LOWER QUADRANT (RLQ)

  • Appendix
  • Reproductive Organs
  • Right Ureter
  • Cecum
LEFT LOWER QUADRANT (LLQ)

  • Left Ureter
  • Reproductive Organs
  • Sigmoid Colon

Here’s one of QD Nurses’ most shared pins on Pinterest. It’s been seen and share over 1,017,800 times highlighting this very topic.

What are The Nine Abdominal Regions?

Aside from the four abdominal quadrants, there are more detailed sections. These are the nine abdominal regions.

Draw two imaginary parasagittal planes, trace an imaginary line in between the clavicles. This is also known as the midclavicular bones. Then another two imaginary horizontal planes (also known as the transverse planes).

It is also vital to remember prefixes and suffixes in the medical field. This saves you time in memorizing once you understand the prefix and suffixes. It also helps if you know the muscles or bones of the body.

In anatomy and physiology it is easy to remember body parts when you’re familiar with organs, bones or muscles in a specific region. There will be a slight change in the prefix and suffix. Like in the nine abdominal regions, these are named after the nearest bones in the region.

To understand more, here is Table 1 divided into nine parts. Imagine the abdominal area divided into these nine regions. Table 2 is a summarized description, derivation, and organs involved in the particular region.

Table 1: Anatomical Position of the Nine Abdominal Regions

RIGHT HYPOCHONDRIAC REGION EPIGASTRIC REGION LEFT HYPOCHONDRIAC REGION
RIGHT LUMBAR REGION UMBILICAL REGION LEFT LUMBAR REGION
RIGHT ILIAC REGION RIGHT ILIAC REGION LEFT ILIAC REGION

Table 2: Summary of Definitions, Derivation and Organs involved in the Nine Abdominal Regions.

Abdominal Region Prefix / Suffix / Derivation Definition Organs Involved
RIGHT HYPOCHONDRIAC REGION Hypo – below

Chondriac – cartilage of ribs

Right portion below the rib cartilage – Liver

– Gallbladder

– Right Kidney

– Portions of the small and large intestine

EPIGASTRIC REGION Epi – Over, above

Gastric – stomach, belly

Above the stomach – Liver

– Stomach

– Pancreas

– Duodenum

– Spleen

– Adrenal Glands

LEFT HYPOCHONDRIAC REGION Hypo – below

Chondriac – cartilage of ribs

Left portion below the rib cartilage – Spleen

– Portions of the small and large intestine

– Left Kidney

– Pancreas

– Stomach

– Tip of the Liver

RIGHT LUMBAR REGION Derived from Lumbar bone located at the lower back Right Lumbar vertebrae – Ascending Colon

– Small Intestine

– Right Kidney

UMBILICAL REGION Umbilicus – navel Belly Button Area – Duodenum

– Small Intestine

– Transverse Colon

LEFT LUMBAR REGION Derived from Lumbar bone located at the lower back Left Lumbar vertebrae – Descending Colon

– Small Intestine

– Left Kidney

RIGHT ILIAC REGION Right iliac crest on hip bone – Appendix

– Cecum

– Ascending Colon

– Small Intestine

HYPOGASTRIC REGION Hypo – below

Gastric – stomach, belly

Below the stomach – Bladder

– parts of the Sigmoid Colon

– Small Intestines

– Portions of the Reproductive Organ

LEFT ILIAC REGION Left iliac crest on hip bone – Portions of the sigmoid colon, descending colon,and small intestine

Other essential tips and terms to remember:

  • Subcostal Plane – the superior transverse plane located below the ribs; the line between the hypochondriac and lumbar region
  • Intertubercular Plane – the inferior transverse plane; it intersects the pelvis’ tubercles; inferior to the navel; separates the lumbar and iliac region
  • In order to survive nursing or medical school, acronyms are your best friend. To easily remember the nine abdominal regions, remember: Hector Loves Isabel Every Unceasing Hour.
  • For the left and right outer regions: H – Hypochondriac, L – Lumbar, I – Iliac
  • Middle Regions: E – Epigastric, U- Umbilical, H- Hypogastric

Remember this acronym, and it will save you in lots of practical and written exams.

Why is it important to know the Four Abdominal Quadrants and Nine Abdominal Regions?

Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, conduct a complete physical assessment. Four techniques are used to assess the abdomen. These are; Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation, and Percussion.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the quadrants in order to help in the differential diagnosis. One good example is diagnosing acute appendicitis.

If a patient has suspected appendicitis, the first thing that comes to mind is to solicit McBurney’s sign. The patient will describe epigastric pain, migrating to the Right Lower Quadrant.

If you have no idea of the location of the abdominal quadrants, diagnosing appendicitis is impossible. What will happen to the patient if appendicitis is not diagnosed sooner? The appendix may rupture and lead to sepsis.

Can sepsis cause death? Yes, it can! It could have been a simple case of appendicitis and is easily treatable.

Knowing the four abdominal regions and nine abdominal quadrants well can definitely help save lives.

Share on Facebook Share
Share
Share on Pinterest Share
Share
Share on Email Share
Share
Share on Messenger Share
Share
Total 0 Shares

Filed Under: Adult Care, Gastrointestinal, NCLEX

Primary Sidebar

My digital products are designed to be easy-to-follow and delivered in a self-paced format. My latest product - the Prep Ultimate - contains Study Guides and Digital Flashcards

Get My NCLEX Prep Ultimate

Start your journey to passing the NCLEX below. Sign up today and I'll send my free infection control study guide to your email for download.

By signing up below, you agree to the Privacy Policy and confirm that your information is accurate.

More to See

Fluid and Electrolytes Nursing Review

Fluid and Electrolytes: Nursing Review

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Septic Shock Nursing Review

Nursing Review: 6 Important Facts To Know About Septic Shock

COVID-19

Nursing Review: 11 Important Facts to Know About COVID-19

HIV/AIDS

Nursing Review: Learn More About the 3 Stages of HIV Infection

More Posts from this Category

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • BUZZ
  • ATI Testing
  • NCLEX
  • ADULT CARE
    • Cardiovascular
    • Endocrine
    • Gastrointestinal
    • Genitourinary
    • Hematologic & Immune
    • Integumentary
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Neurosensory
    • Respiratory
  • FUNDAMENTALS
  • PSYCHIATRIC
  • PEDIATRIC CARE
    • Endocrine
    • Gastrointestinal
    • Genitourinary
    • Growth & Development
    • Hematologic & Immune
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Neurosensory
    • Respiratory
  • MATERNAL-NEONATAL
    • Antepartum
    • Intrapartum
    • Neonatal
  • NURSING SCIENCE
  • EMT

Footer CTA

Join over 1,500 happy students!

Get 160 FREE Digital Flashcards & My FREE Infection Control Study Guide

Learn More
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 QD Nurses. All Rights Reserved.

X
Subject:
Message:
Ajax loader
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept
Share with friends
Share on Facebook Share
Share
Share on Pinterest Share
Share
Share on Email Share
Share
Share on Messenger Share
Share