Malcolm Rivera
The solid abdominal viscera are the internal organs of the upper abdomen that are primarily solid in nature. These include the liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, and kidneys. The term 'solid viscera' is used in contrast to 'hollow viscera', which includes the stomach, small bowel, large bowel, rectum, gallbladder, and bladder. Solid viscera are organs that maintain a characteristic shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Viscera refers to the organs in the cavities of the body, especially in the abdominal cavity. Solid viscera are those organs that maintain a characteristic shape. |
| Organs | Liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, kidneys, ovaries |
| Location | Upper abdomen |
| Nature | Primarily solid |
Explore related products
Liver
The liver is a solid visceral organ. It is the largest and heaviest of the solid viscera. The liver has two surfaces: the diaphragmatic and the visceral. The diaphragmatic surface is the anterosuperior surface of the liver. It is smooth and convex, fitting beneath the curvature of the diaphragm. The posterior aspect of the diaphragmatic surface is in direct contact with the diaphragm itself, and is known as the ''bare area' of the liver.
The visceral surface of the liver is the posteroinferior surface. With the exception of the fossa of the gallbladder and porta hepatis, it is covered with peritoneum. It is moulded by the surrounding organs, giving it an irregular and flat shape. The visceral surface is in contact with the right kidney, right adrenal gland, right colic flexure, transverse colon, first part of the duodenum, gallbladder, oesophagus and the stomach.
The liver is a highly vascular organ, receiving around 1.5 litres of blood per minute in an average adult. This equates to approximately 25% of the resting cardiac output. The liver is unusual among solid viscera in that it has both an arterial and venous source of blood inflow. The hepatic artery and portal vein provide inflow, with the portal vein providing 70-75% of the inflow, and the hepatic artery providing the remaining 25-30%.
The liver has two main lobes: the right lobe and the smaller left lobe. The right lobe also has two accessory lobes: the caudate lobe and the quadrate lobe. The caudate lobe is located on the upper aspect of the visceral surface, between the inferior vena cava and a fossa produced by the ligamentum venosum. The quadrate lobe is located on the lower aspect of the visceral surface, between the gallbladder and a fossa produced by the ligamentum teres.
Samuel Adams' Vision for the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Pancreas
The pancreas is a visceral organ located in the abdomen, with both digestive (exocrine) and hormonal (endocrine) functions. It is made up of three sections: the head, the neck, and the body. The head of the pancreas is located on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum via the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct. The neck of the pancreas is situated between the head and the body, sitting behind the stomach and to the left of the superior mesenteric vessels. The body of the pancreas crosses the midline of the human body. The tail of the pancreas lies within close proximity to the hilum of the spleen and is the only part of the organ that is intraperitoneal.
The pancreas has a duct system that allows it to secrete digestive enzymes and hormones into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The pancreatic duct runs the length of the organ and connects to the common bile duct, forming the hepatopancreatic ampulla of Vater. Secretions into the duodenum are controlled by the sphincter of Oddi, a muscular valve that surrounds the ampulla of Vater.
The pancreas is supplied by the pancreatic branches of the splenic artery, which arises from the celiac trunk. The head of the pancreas also receives blood flow from the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, which are branches of the gastroduodenal and superior mesenteric arteries, respectively. Venous drainage of the pancreas occurs primarily through the splenic vein, with the exception of the head, which drains into the superior mesenteric branches of the hepatic portal vein.
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe epigastric pain that often radiates to the back, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Treatment for pancreatitis typically involves supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and pain management. Antibiotics are rarely required, as most cases are not due to infection.
Constitution's Approach to Fugitive Slaves: A Historical Analysis
You may want to see also
Spleen
The spleen is a solid visceral organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, under the diaphragm and rib cage. It is about 7 cm wide and extends from the ninth to the eleventh rib. The spleen is roughly the size of a clenched fist and is oval-shaped. It is a highly vascular organ, and its rupture results in severe bleeding into the peritoneal cavity.
The spleen has multiple functions. During the prenatal stage, it produces fetal blood cells. Postnatally, the spleen acts as a hub for lymphocyte proliferation, a recycling centre for damaged red blood cells and platelets, and a blood reservoir. The spleen also plays a role in both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses.
The spleen is an intraperitoneal organ, entirely surrounded by peritoneum except at the splenic hilum. The splenic artery takes a tortuous path posterior to the omental bursa and runs along the superior border of the pancreas, ending at the splenic hilum. The twisting and turning of the splenic artery give it a distinctive worm-like appearance. At the splenic hilum, the artery divides into several branches that enter the spleen to supply its different vascular segments.
The spleen is the abdominal organ with the highest incidence of injury, often associated with left rib fractures. A splenic rupture occurs when there is a break in its fibroelastic capsule, disrupting the underlying parenchyma. Rupture is caused by blunt or penetrating trauma. Splenectomy, or the surgical removal of the spleen, is indicated when injury to the spleen and subsequent haemorrhage are life-threatening. This procedure can be done as a sub-total (partial) or total splenectomy.
American Constitution: Values and Principles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adrenals
The adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are endocrine glands situated over the medial aspect of the upper poles of the kidneys. They are considered solid viscera, which are internal organs of the upper abdomen that are primarily solid in nature. The adrenal glands are paired, with the right gland sitting over the upper pole of the right kidney and taking on a pyramidal shape. The left gland, in contrast, has a semi-lunar shape. These glands are enveloped by the perinephric or renal fascia, with the parietal peritoneum covering only their anterior surface.
The adrenal glands consist of an outer connective tissue capsule, a cortex, and a medulla. The cortex and medulla are the functional portions of the glands, with distinct embryological origins. The cortex, derived from the embryonic mesoderm, includes the zona reticularis, which produces and secretes androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHES) and a small amount of corticosteroids. The medulla, derived from the ectodermal neural crest cells, lies in the centre of the gland and has a dark brown colour.
The medulla contains chromaffin cells, which play a crucial role in secreting catecholamines, including adrenaline, into the bloodstream in response to stress. This release of adrenaline triggers the body's 'fight-or-flight' response. Additionally, the chromaffin cells secrete enkephalins, which are essential for pain control. The adrenal glands have a rich blood supply, receiving blood from three main arteries: the superior, middle, and inferior adrenal arteries.
The adrenal glands are retroperitoneal, meaning they are situated posterior to the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. They lie in the posterior abdomen, between the superomedial kidney and the diaphragm, and are palpable visceral organs. Their location is important in the context of imaging and medical procedures, as it affects the approach and techniques used for diagnosis and treatment.
America's Founding Ideals: The Constitution's True Intent
You may want to see also
Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped abdominal organs that constitute the solid viscera. They are retroperitoneal organs, meaning they lie posterior to the peritoneum. The kidneys are located at the posterior abdominal wall, at the level of the T12 to L3 vertebrae, on both the right and left sides of the vertebral column. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left one, making space for the large size of the liver on that side of the abdomen.
The kidneys are encased in complex layers of fascia and fat. The external coverings of the kidney include the renal capsule, a tough fibrous capsule, perirenal fat, renal fascia, and pararenal fat. Internally, the kidneys have a unique structure. The renal parenchyma can be divided into two main areas: the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The cortex extends into the medulla, dividing it into triangular shapes called renal pyramids. The apex of a renal pyramid is called a renal papilla, and each renal papilla is associated with a structure known as the minor calyx, which collects urine from the pyramids. The minor calyces combine to form two or three major calyces, which unite to form the renal pelvis, an expansion of the superior end of the ureter.
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which arise directly from the abdominal aorta. Due to the anatomical position of the abdominal aorta, slightly to the left of the midline, the right renal artery is longer and crosses the vena cava posteriorly. The renal artery enters the kidney via the renal hilum, a deep fissure on the medial margin of the kidney. At the hilum level, the renal artery divides into anterior and posterior divisions, supplying 75% and 25% of the blood to the kidney, respectively. The avascular plane of the kidney, or the line of Brodel, is an important access route for surgical procedures as it minimises the risk of damage to major arterial branches.
The functional units of the kidney are called nephrons, and they are found in both the renal cortex and medulla. The outer two-thirds of the renal cortex form a peritubular network, supplying the nephron tubules with oxygen and nutrients. The inner third of the cortex and the medulla are supplied by long, straight arteries called vasa recta. The kidneys' main function is to filter metabolic waste out of the blood, which is then eliminated through urine. The urine is funnelled into the urinary bladder by the ureters.
The Constitution's Promise: Right to Peaceful Protest
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The solid viscera are the internal organs of the upper abdomen that are primarily solid in nature, including the liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, and kidneys.
Hollow viscera are organs in the abdominal cavity that are not solid in nature, including the stomach, small bowel, large bowel, rectum, gallbladder, and bladder.
Yes, there are also gas-filled viscera, which include the stomach, small and large bowel, and rectum.
