The abdomen (from the Latin word abdomen, lower abdomen) is the part of the trunk delimited at the top by the thorax and at the bottom by the pelvis.

The abdomen, also called the tummy, is made up of many organs, including the digestive system and the urinary tract.

Wall. The abdomen wall is divided into four parts: an anterior wall, a posterior wall, and two side walls. These walls are in particular formed of muscle layers. On the anterior aspect of the abdomen and at the level of the midline is the navel, a scar left by the fall of the umbilical cord.

Abdominal cavity. Located between the diaphragm and the upper opening of the pelvis, the abdominal cavity is partially protected at the top by the rib cage and at the bottom by the large pelvis (1). It contains most of the digestive organs which are the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. It also contains other organs like the spleen and also part of the urinary system like the kidneys and most of the ureters.

The cavity is bordered by a membrane, the peritoneum, which covers most of the organs present (2).

Role in the digestive system. The abdominal cavity contains the main organs participating in the digestive system.

Role in the urinary system. The abdominal cavity contains the kidneys as well as part of the ureters, participating in the urinary system.

Protective role. The wall helps protect the constituent organs of the abdominal cavity.

Role of mobility. The muscles present within the abdominal wall play an essential role in the mobility of the trunk, especially in the lumbar region of the spine. (3)

Abdominal pain and cramps. Frequent, these pains can have different causes, due to the many organs that make up the abdomen.

• Digestion disorders. These disorders can manifest as gastroesophageal reflux disease, muscle spasms, or even constipation.
• Inflammations. In the abdomen, various organs can be affected by inflammation such as the appendix (appendicitis) and the peritoneum (peritonitis).
• Urinary system disorders. In the abdomen, the kidney or the ureters can be affected by certain pathologies such as kidney stones or even urinary tract infections.

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology, different treatments are prescribed such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or anti-spasmodics.

Phytotherapy or Homeopathy. Herbal or homeopathic treatments can also be applied in some cases.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the type of pathology, surgery can be carried out, for example, for patients with acute appendicitis.

Physical examination. First, a clinical examination is performed in order to observe and assess the symptoms perceived by the patient, and to locate the pain.

Medical imaging exams. Abdominal CT scan, parietal ultrasound, or even MRI can be used to complete the diagnosis (4).

Biological examination. Blood tests can be done to assess a pathology.

Jacques-Ambroise Monprofit (1857-1922) is a French surgeon who worked on the abdomen and more particularly on the surgical methods of the organs of the abdominal cavity. He is the author of major works on the subject such as “Introduction to gastric surgery” or “Large intestine surgery – new methods of anastomosis, exclusion and resection of the intestine, double implantation and drainage. through the intestine ”(5).