Epigastric region
Regio epigastrica
- Latin synonym: Epigastrium
- Related terms: Epigastric region ; Epigastric fossa
Definition
The epigastric region is the upper central part of the abdomen, located just below the sternum (xiphoid process) and extending down to the area above the umbilicus. It is one of the nine anatomical regions of the abdomen and is bordered laterally by the left and right hypochondriac regions. This area is clinically significant as it contains important structures such as parts of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and the superior epigastric vessels.
The epigastric region presents a slight depression in the midline just below the sternum that is called the epigastric fossa.
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