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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Abdomen and Abdominal Cavity?

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The abdomen and the abdominal cavity are related but distinct anatomical structures. Here are the key differences between them:

  • Abdomen: The abdomen is the external region of the body located between the pelvis and the chest. It can be seen and touched, and it serves as the exterior boundary of the abdominal cavity.
  • Abdominal Cavity: The abdominal cavity is an internal space or room within the body that houses several internal organs, including the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, small and large intestines, and kidneys. It is part of the abdominopelvic cavity and is located below the thoracic cavity and above the pelvic cavity.

In summary, the abdomen is the external part of the body that can be seen and touched, while the abdominal cavity is the internal space within the body that holds the internal organs.

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  • What is the Difference Between Abdomen and Abdominal Cavity?
  • Comparative Table: Abdomen vs Abdominal Cavity

    • Comparative Table: Abdomen vs Abdominal Cavity

    The abdomen and the abdominal cavity are related but distinct concepts. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

    Feature Abdomen Abdominal Cavity
    Definition The abdomen is the portion of the trunk that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. The abdominal cavity is a large body cavity containing organs, located below the thoracic cavity and above the pelvic cavity.
    Boundaries The abdomen is bound by the diaphragm, a sheet of muscle and connective tissue, above, and the upper plane of the pelvic cavity below. The abdominal cavity is lined with a protective membrane called the peritoneum, which also divides the cavity into numerous compartments.
    Contents The abdomen contains the abdominal cavity, which houses the internal organs such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, small and large intestines, kidneys, and adrenal glands. The abdominal cavity contains the greater part of the digestive tract, the liver and pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys, and the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.

    In summary, the abdomen is the anatomical region that contains the abdominal cavity, which is a body cavity housing various internal organs. The abdominal cavity is lined with a protective membrane called the peritoneum, which helps support and stabilize the organs within the cavity.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.