| Epigastrium | |
|---|---|
 Surface lines of the front of the thorax and abdomen | |
| Details | |
| Part of | abdomen |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | regio epigastrica |
| TA98 | A01.2.04.003 |
| TA2 | 257 |
| FMA | 20389 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Inanatomy, theepigastrium (orepigastric region) is the upper central region of theabdomen. It is located between thecostal margins and thesubcostal plane. Pain may bereferred to the epigastrium from damage to structures derived from theforegut.
The epigastrium is one of thenine regions of the abdomen, along with the right and lefthypochondria, right and left lateral regions (lumbar areas or flanks), right and left inguinal regions (or fossae), and the umbilical and pubic regions. It is located between thecostal margins and thesubcostal plane.
Duringbreathing, thediaphragm contracts and flattens, displacing the viscera and producing an outward movement of the upper abdominal wall (epigastric region). It is a convergence of the diaphragm and the abdominals, so that "when both sets of muscles (diaphragm and abdominals) tense, the epigastrium pushes forward".[1] Therefore, the epigastric region is not a muscle nor is it an organ, but it is a zone of activity where the actions of therectus abdominis and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the upper abdominal wall.
The epigastrium lies over a number of structures in the abdomen. Part of theliver lies in the right of the epigastrium.[2] It also lies over theduodenum, the edge of thespleen,[2] part of thestomach,[2] and part of thepancreas.
The epigastrium is the part of theabdomen whereabdominal thrusts (theHeimlich manoeuvre) are able to produce a rapid and forceful exhalation of breath.[citation needed]
Palpation of the epigastrium can be used to feel the structures below it.[2] This includes theliver, and thestomach.[2] Anaortic aneurysm may be felt as a mass in the epigastrium.[3]
Stomach sounds may be heard whenauscultating (using astethoscope) on the epigastrium.[2]
Pain can be referred to the epigastrium from damaged internal organs.[4] This is primarily from theforegut, with structures including thestomach, parts of theduodenum, and thebiliary tract.[4] Pain may also be referred from thepancreas, such as inacute pancreatitis.[5]
