ASU HLTH 1020 Health Anatomy
Week 11 Lecture Notes and
Tutorials (Abdomen) University of
South Australia
, lOMoAR cPSD| 42147428
Abdomen and Digestion
HLTH 1020 WEEK 11 ‘Need to Know’ CHECKLIST
Describe the upper digestive structures, for example,
How does food get channelled into your oesophagus and avoid entering your
trachea?
- The epiglottis (a flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue) prevents food from entering
the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing.
o When you swallow, the tongue pushes the food toward the back of the mouth, triggering
the closure of the epiglottis. This action directs the food into the opening of the
oesophagus, located behind the trachea.
How does the esophagus reach the stomach?
- The esophagus connects the pharynx to the stomach.
o It descends through the neck and chest, passing through an opening in the diaphragm
called the esophageal hiatus. The esophagus then enters the abdominal cavity and
connects to the upper part of the stomach.
Describe the abdominopelvic cavity and what structures enclose it?
- The abdominopelvic cavity is a large space within the abdomen and pelvis. It is divided into
two portions: the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity. The abdominal cavity is located
above the pelvic cavity and contains most of the digestive organs. The pelvic cavity is
situated below the abdominal cavity and houses the reproductive organs, urinary bladder,
and rectum.
- The abdominopelvic cavity is enclosed and protected by several structures:
o Anteriorly: It is bounded by the abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis,
external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis.
o Posteriorly: It is supported by the vertebral column and posterior abdominal wall
muscles.
o Superiorly: It is limited by the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the
thoracic and abdominal cavities.
o Inferiorly: It extends into the pelvis and is bounded by the pelvic bones.
Explain what the peritoneum is.
- The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal and pelvic
cavities (parietal peritoneum) and covers the organs within these cavities (visceral
peritoneum). It consists of a layer of simple squamous epithelium supported by a thin layer of
connective tissue.
o The peritoneum helps support and protect abdominal organs, allows for their
movement, and provides a lubricating fluid that reduces friction between organs during
their movements.
o It also plays a crucial role in the absorption and transport of nutrients.
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