Abdominal Series

Question 1

What does the abdominopelvic cavity consist of?

Answer 1

• Large superior portion, the abdominal cavity
• Smaller inferior portion, the pelvic cavity

Question 2

Where does the abdominal cavity extend?

Answer 2

From the diaphragm to the superior aspect of the pelvis

Question 3

What does the abdominal cavity contain?

Answer 3

Stomach, small and large instestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidney

Question 4

Where does the pelvic cavity lie?

Answer 4

Within the margins of the bony pelvis

Question 5

What does the pelvic cavity contain?

Answer 5

Rectum and sigmoid of the large intesting, urinary bladder and reproductive organs

Question 6

What is the abdomincal cavity enclosed in?

Answer 6

A double-walled seromembranous sac called the peritoneum

Question 7

What is the outer portion of the sac called?

Answer 7

Parietal peritoneum

Question 8

What is the inner portion of the sac called?

Answer 8

Visceral peritoneum

Question 9

What is the space between the two layers of the peritoneum called?

Answer 9

Peritoneal cavity which contains serous fluid

Question 10

What is the cavity behind the peritoneum called?

Answer 10

Retroperitoneum

Question 11

What organs are in the retroperitoneum?

Answer 11

Kidneys and pancreas

Question 12

What is the largest gland in the body?

Answer 12

Liver

Question 13

What divides the liver into two major lobes?

Answer 13

Falciform ligament

Question 14

What are the two blood supplies of the liver?

Answer 14

Hepatic artery and the portal vein

Question 15

What does the hepative artery carry?

Answer 15

Oxygenated blood from the abdominal aorta

Question 16

What does the portal vein carry?

Answer 16

Blood from the digestive system to be filtered by the liver

Question 17

What is the primary function of the liver?

Answer 17

To produce bile

Question 18

Once produced where does the bile flow?

Answer 18

Its collected by the ducts and carried to the gallbladder for storage

Question 19

What are the topographic landmarks of the abdomen?

Answer 19

• xiphoid process at T9/T10
• inferior costal margin (L2/L3)
• iliac crest (L5/L5)

Question 20

What tissue structures should be identifiable when effective technique is used?

Answer 20

• lower liver border, psoas muscles, kidneys, ribs and transverse processes of the lumbar vert

Question 21

What SID is recommended for abdominal xrays?

Answer 21

48”

Question 22

What views are part of a three-way abdominal series?

Answer 22

AP, supine
AP, upright
PA Chest

Question 23

What does a three way abdomen series demonstrate?

Answer 23

Abdominal contents, presence of free air (pneumoperitoneum) and air-fluid levels

Question 24

What are the views incldued in a two way abdominal series?

Answer 24

AP supine
AP upright

Question 25

What projection is used when a patient is unable to stand for upright abdomen?

Answer 25

Left lateral decubitus

Question 26

What is an AP Abdomen supine commonly referred to as?

Answer 26

KUB

Question 27

What body habitus considerations should be taken in AP Abdomen supine?

Answer 27

- Hypersthenic patients may require two cross wise projection - Tall patients may require separate bladder images

Question 28

What is the benefit of a PA Abdomen, upright?

Answer 28

Reduces gonadal dose and should be considered when the kidneys are not of primary interest

Question 29

What are the clinical indications for an acute abdominal series?

Answer 29

- Ileus, ascities, perforated hollow viscus, intra-abdominal mass, post-op