| cavity, abdominal | The space between the abdominal wall and the spine. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| pectoral and abdominal anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerves | The ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T7-T11 (seventh to eleventh intercostal nerves), which supply the abdominal as well as the thoracic wall; innervate intercostal, subcostal, serratus posterior inferior, transversus abdominis, external and internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles, and provide sensory branches to the periphery of the diaphragm, and parietal pleura and peritoneum. Synonym: rami cutanei anteriores pectoralis et abdominalis nervorum intercostalium, ramus cutaneus anterior (pectoralis et abdominalis) nervorum thoracicorum, anterior cutaneous nerves of abdomen, pectoral and abdominal anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerves. (05 Mar 2000) |
| muscles, abdominal | A large group of muscles in the front of the abdomen that assists in the regular breathing movement and supports the muscles of the spine while lifting and keeping abdominal organs such as the intestines in place. Abdominal muscles play a key role in exercises such as sit-ups. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pregnancy, abdominal | Ectopic pregnancy with development of the foetus in the abdominal cavity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Heyns' abdominal decompression apparatus | A vacuum chamber enclosing the abdomen of the pregnant woman, creating pressure during the first stage of labour. (05 Mar 2000) |
| secondary abdominal pregnancy | A condition in which the embryo or foetus continues to grow in the abdominal cavity after its expulsion from the fallopian tube or other seat of its primary development. Synonym: abdominocyesis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| hysterectomy, abdominal | Surgical removal of the uterus through an incision made in the abdominal wall. As opposed to a vaginal hysterectomy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| deep abdominal reflexes | Contraction of abdominal muscles elicited by stimulation, such as tapping a deep structure; e.g., the costal margin. See: Galant's reflex, upper abdominal periosteal reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diffuse abdominal calcification | <radiology> Ovarian cystadenocarcinoma (psammomatous Calcium), pseudomyxoma peritonei, pseudomucinous cystadenoma of ovary, mucocele of appendix, undifferentiated abdominal malignancy, TB peritonitis, oil granulomata, meconium peritonitis (12 Dec 1998) |
| intra-abdominal | Within the abdomen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| intra-abdominal abscess | <surgery> A localised pus-forming (suppurative) bacterial infection that occurs within the abdominal cavity as the result of a perforated viscus or post operative complication. Treatment requires either percutaneous or open surgical drainage. (27 Sep 1997) |
| intra-abdominal calcifications | <radiology> Urinary, kidneys, ureters, prostate, seminal vesicles, biliary, gallstones (15% radiopaque), milk of calcium bile, porcelain gall bladder, pancreatic, vascular, lymph nodes, neoplastic, psammomatous calcification (especially mucinous adenocarcinoma), miscellaneous, appendiceal mucocele, appendicolith, ovarian teratoma, haematoma, injection granuloma (12 Dec 1998) |
| transverse abdominal incision | An abdominal incision that is placed perpendicular to the axis of the rectus muscles of the abdomen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| extra-abdominal desmoid | A deep-seated firm tumour, most frequently occurring on the shoulders, chest, or back of young men or women, consisting of collagenous fibrous tissue that infiltrates surrounding muscle; frequently recurs but does not metastasize. (05 Mar 2000) |
| undifferentiated abdominal malignancy | <radiology> Large soft-tissue masses, multiple linear or nodular calcific densities, can coalesce to form conglomerate masses (12 Dec 1998) |