Upper abdomen
1Oesophagus
After food has been chewed and swallowed, it moves down a tube called the oesophagus (food pipe). At the lower end of this tube, where it makes a junction with the stomach, we find a sphincter. This sphincter relaxes briefly to allow food into the stomach, but it is usually tightly shut to prevent stomach acid reflux from going into the oesophagus. 1
Upper abdomen
2Stomach
The stomach holds the swallowed food and liquid while powerfully acidic stomach juices are produced. Muscles - called smooth muscles - around the lower part of the stomach help mix the food with the stomach acids which break down food into a semi-solid consistency known as chyme. 1
Upper abdomen
3Pancreas
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and fits into the curve of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in the upper abdomen. It produces a clear digestive fluid composed of bicarbonate and enzymes which are secreted into the intestines to help break down food. These enzymes digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates into much smaller molecules so that our intestines can absorb them. The pancreas also produces insulin and other important hormones. 2
Upper abdomen
4Liver
The liver is the second largest organ in our body (after the skin) and performs a large number of tasks that affect all systems of our body. Blood travels from the intestines through the liver where digested nutrients and toxins are processed. In addition, the liver produces a fluid called bile which is secreted into the gallbladder. 2,3
Upper abdomen
5Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that collects, concentrates and stores bile from the liver. Bile is a dark green-yellow, thick fluid that helps digest food. The gallbladder can hold roughly 30 - 60 ml of bile. The gallbladder wall is made of muscle tissue that contracts to release bile into the small intestine when necessary. 2,4
Lower abdomen
6Small intestine
The small intestine absorbs most of the nutrients from our food. 5 An adult???s small intestine is around 6 metres long. 1 Peristalsis, the wave-like motion of the smooth muscles of the small intestine, moves the digested food along its length. This movement is stimulated by the presence of chyme (the partially digested food from the stomach). 1,5,6
Lower abdomen
7Large intestine
When the partially digested food reaches the large intestine, it gets converted into faeces as water and salts are absorbed. Vitamin K and B are produced and absorbed into the bloodstream. If peristalsis (the wave-like motion of the smooth muscles that slowly pushes the waste material along the large intestine) is slowed, more water will be removed resulting in constipation. Alternatively, if the waste is pushed through the colon too quickly, the excess water cannot be removed resulting in diarrhoea. 1,6
Lower abdomen
8Kidneys
The kidneys filter waste material from the blood. The kidneys use a process known as osmosis to extract salts, acids and other unwanted substances from the blood. Kidneys are vital in maintaining overall fluid balance. 7,8,9
Lower abdomen
9Reproductive organs (woman)
Menstruation - the monthly shedding of the uterus lining - is part of the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age. A cycle starts on the first day of the period and ranges between 25 to 36 days. Just before, and during menstruation, cramps may occur in the lower abdomen. The pain is due to hormone-like substances (prostaglandins) which cause the uterus to contract causing pain and discomfort. 10,11
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