EMT: Anatomy Lab 3: Page 2 of 8

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The abdomen and the pelvis are demarcated in the following fashion:

	Step 1: Begin with the abdomen and the posterior abdominal muscles. Note the the abdomen is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm. The pelvic inlet is defined posteriorly by the sacrum, anteriorly by the pubis and laterally by a distinct rim of the pelvic bone. The abdomen and the pelvis are connected and the demarcation is used as a way of defining where organs are placed.
	Step 2: Add the major vessels of the abdomen.
	Step 3: Add the urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
	Step 4: Add the pancreas.
	Step 5: Add the duodenum.

All three of these organs are considered to be retro-peritoneal. In other words, the peritoneal cavity lining lies anterior to theses organs. This is an embryologic phenomena as is not germaine to this discussion.

However, it is germaine to where examination of these organs and where pain from damage to these organs occurs. These organs tend to give you back pain.