Abdominal Quadrants Overview

Overview

This lecture explains the four abdominal quadrants, their key organs, and how to quickly identify which organ might cause pain in each area—crucial knowledge for EMTs.

The Four Abdominal Quadrants

• The abdomen is divided into four quadrants: right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower.
• Knowledge of the quadrants helps EMTs identify potential causes of abdominal pain.
• Right upper quadrant (RUQ): Main organs are the liver and the gallbladder ("best friends" memory aid).
• Left upper quadrant (LUQ): Main organs are the stomach and spleen (remember the "two S's"), and most of the pancreas.
• Right lower quadrant (RLQ): Commonly associated with appendicitis; also includes the right ovary, right fallopian tube, and ascending colon.
• Left lower quadrant (LLQ): Known as "diverticulitis land," includes the sigmoid colon, left ovary, left fallopian tube, and descending colon.

Additional Structures and Landmarks

• The transverse colon crosses from the right upper to the left upper quadrant.
• The small intestine sits centrally and touches all four quadrants.
• Ascending colon is on the right, descending colon is on the left, and the sigmoid colon is low on the left.

Memory Tricks

• RUQ: "Liver and gallbladder are best friends."
• LUQ: "Two S's—stomach and spleen."
• RLQ: "Appendicitis land."
• LLQ: "Diverticulitis land."
• The small intestine is always in the middle.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Quadrant — One of four sections dividing the abdomen for diagnostic purposes.
• Transverse colon — The part of the colon that runs horizontally across the upper abdomen.
• Ascending colon — The section of the colon that travels up the right side.
• Descending colon — The section of the colon that travels down the left side.
• Sigmoid colon — The S-shaped last part of the large intestine, leading to the rectum.
• Appendicitis — Inflammation of the appendix, typically causing RLQ pain.
• Diverticulitis — Inflammation of diverticula, often causing LLQ pain.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Memorize the organs in each abdominal quadrant using the provided memory tricks.
• Review additional abdominal anatomy if needed for deeper understanding.
• Practice identifying which quadrant pain is located in based on symptoms.