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Topographic Anatomy · Topographic Anatomy of the Abdomen

Projection of organs onto the abdominal wall

The projection of internal organs onto the anterior abdominal wall is a fundamental topographic landmark that allows the physician to correlate the external borders of the abdomen with the location of internal structures. Understanding these zones is critically important for accurate palpation and comprehending the clinical presentation.

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Right hypochondriumSite of projection of the right lobe of the liver and the gallbladder
EpigastriumIncludes the stomach, pancreas, and left lobe of the liver
Umbilical regionThe renal hila and ureters project here
Pubic regionThe urinary bladder is identified here only when filled
3 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Upper region: Epigastrium (Epigastrium)

The epigastrium is traditionally divided into three key zones, each concealing important organs of the digestive and endocrine systems.

  • Proper epigastric region (Regio epigastrica): The central zone of the upper floor. The stomach and left lobe of the liver are located here. The pancreas and duodenum are also projected into this area.
  • Right hypochondrium: In this zone, surgeons and internists primarily assess the condition of the right lobe of the liver and the gallbladder. In addition, the right colic flexure and the upper pole of the right kidney project here.
  • Left hypochondrium: A symmetrical area on the left, housing the fundus of the stomach and the spleen. They are followed by the tail of the pancreas, the left colic flexure, and the upper pole of the left kidney.

Middle region: Mesogastrium (Mesogastrium)

The middle floor of the abdominal cavity contains massive segments of the intestine and important urinary pathways.

  • Umbilical region: The central zone most densely packed with structures. Loops of the small intestine and the transverse colon project onto it. The inferior horizontal and ascending parts of the duodenum, as well as the greater curvature of the stomach, are also identified here. From the retroperitoneal space, the renal hila and ureters project into the umbilical region.
  • Right lateral region: The ascending colon is topographically identified in this zone. Adjacent to it are a portion of the small intestine loops and the lower pole of the right kidney.
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Lower region: Hypogastrium (Hypogastrium)

The lower floor includes the pubic and inguinal regions, which are of particular importance in emergency surgery.

  • Pubic region: The main landmark here is the urinary bladder, though it is important to remember that it projects onto the anterior abdominal wall exclusively when filled.
  • Right inguinal region: The classic projection zone of the cecum and the vermiform appendix. Also located here are the terminal ileum and the right ureter.
  • Left inguinal region: The sigmoid colon, a portion of the small intestine loops, and the left ureter project on the left side.

Important note: When evaluating topography in the standing position, organ displacement must be taken into account. In the upright position, the lower segments of the ureters, the uterus, and descended loops of the small intestine serve as general landmarks for the lower regions.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

Which organs project into the left lateral abdominal region?

Parts of the large intestine and adjacent channels project into the left lateral abdominal region (left flank). The following structures are located in this anatomical zone:

  • Descending colon (colon descendens) — has a length of 10–30 cm.
  • Left lateral channel — located lateral to the descending colon.

To which regions of the anterior abdominal wall do the kidneys project?

The kidneys project into several regions of the anterior abdominal wall simultaneously:

  • Right hypochondrium — upper pole of the right kidney.
  • Left hypochondrium — upper pole of the left kidney.
  • Umbilical region (regio umbilicalis) — renal hila.
  • Right lateral region — lower pole of the right kidney.

Additionally, posteriorly, the projection of the kidneys corresponds to the lumbar region (regio lumbalis).

To which regions does the duodenum project?

The duodenum projects into the following regions of the anterior abdominal wall:

  • Proper epigastric region (regio epigastrica).
  • Umbilical region (regio umbilicalis) — the inferior horizontal and ascending parts of the intestine project here.

To which region does the uterus project?

The uterus projects into the anatomical zone of the lesser pelvis. When determining the projection of organs onto the abdominal wall in the standing position, the uterus acts as one of the general landmarks (along with the lower segments of the ureters and loops of the small intestine). The specific region of the anterior abdominal wall for the uterus is not detailed in sources.

Class and exam questions

In which region should the vermiform appendix be sought?

The vermiform appendix projects into the right inguinal region, adjacent to the cecum and the terminal ileum.

Which structures of the kidneys project onto the umbilical region?

The renal hila and the ureters emerging from them project onto the umbilical region.

Where is the gallbladder palpated?

The gallbladder projects into the right hypochondrium, along with the right lobe of the liver and the right colic flexure.

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What else to study on this topic

  • Topography of the proper epigastric region (Regio epigastrica)
  • Syntopy of organs in the right inguinal region
  • Changes in the projection of the urinary bladder depending on blood filling
  • Features of the projection of the duodenum in different regions

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Other topics in the section "Topographic Anatomy of the Abdomen"

Topographic Anatomy of the AbdomenTopographic anatomy of the anterolateral abdominal wallExternal oblique abdominal muscleInternal oblique abdominal muscleRectus abdominis muscleEndoabdominal fascia and extraperitoneal adipose tissueRelief of the posterior surface of the anterior abdominal wallBlood supply to the anterolateral abdominal wallLymphatic system and innervation of the anterior abdominal wallLinea albaTopographic anatomy of the umbilical regionTopography of the abdominal cavity organsInguinal canalInguinal trianglePeritoneal cavitySupramesocolic compartmentTopographic anatomy of the liverBlood supply and innervation of the liverTopographic anatomy of the portal veinTopographic anatomy of the gallbladderTopographic anatomy of the extrahepatic biliary ductsAbdominal part of the esophagusTopographic anatomy of the stomachLigamentous apparatus of the stomach
The entire section "Topographic Anatomy of the Abdomen"

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