The epigastrium is one of the
nine regions of the abdomen, along with the right and left
hypochondria, right and left lateral regions (lumbar areas or flanks), right and left inguinal regions (or fossae), and the umbilical and pubic regions. It is located between the
costal margins and the
subcostal plane. During
breathing, the
diaphragm contracts and flattens, displacing the viscera and producing an outward movement of the upper abdominal wall (epigastric region). It is a convergence of the diaphragm and the abdominals, so that "when both sets of muscles (diaphragm and abdominals) tense, the epigastrium pushes forward". Therefore, the epigastric region is not a muscle nor is it an organ, but it is a zone of activity where the actions of the
rectus abdominis and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the upper abdominal wall.
Contents The epigastrium lies over a number of structures in the abdomen. Part of the
liver lies in the right of the epigastrium. It also lies over the
duodenum, the edge of the
spleen, part of the
stomach, and part of the
pancreas. == Clinical significance ==