abdominal wall

The abdominal wall (abdominal wall proper) is the composite structure of tissues that surrounds and encloses the organs within the abdominal cavity. It is composed of multiple layers including skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscles, and the inner parietal peritoneum.

The abdominal wall forms the anterior, lateral, and posterior boundaries of the abdominal cavity. The anterior and lateral walls are primarily muscular, while the posterior wall includes the lumbar vertebrae and associated back muscles. Together they form a complete muscular and fibrous enclosure.

The abdominal wall protects the abdominal organs from external trauma, maintains intra-abdominal pressure, contributes to trunk movement and posture, and plays a role in activities that require elevated intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, defecation, and childbirth.

Hernias (inguinal, umbilical, incisional) are among the most common abdominal wall conditions, occurring when organs protrude through weakened areas. Diastasis recti, abdominal wall hematoma, necrotizing fasciitis, and post-surgical wound infections are other significant conditions.

From superficial to deep, the anterior abdominal wall layers include: skin, subcutaneous fat (Camper's fascia), membranous fascia (Scarpa's fascia), the external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis muscles, transversalis fascia, extraperitoneal fat, and parietal peritoneum.