The abdominal cavity is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis, and the stomach is one of the organs located inside it. The abdominal cavity, or more precisely, the intestines, also contains the intestines, liver, pancreas, and spleen, among other organs. When we say "I have a stomach ache," we often mean abdominal pain, which doesn't necessarily originate in the stomach.
To sum it up
- Abdominal cavity — is the area of the body that includes the skin, abdominal wall muscles, and the abdominal cavity containing many organs.
- Stomach — is a specific organ of the digestive tract, a muscular sac located between the esophagus and the duodenum.
- The stomach is located in upper abdominal cavity , mainly on the left side, directly below the diaphragm.
- Abdominal pain can be caused by many organs; the cause is determined by the doctor, not the location of the pain.
Stomach – what is it and what does it contain?
Abdominal cavity — is the part of the body located below the rib cage and above the pelvis. Externally, it consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and abdominal wall muscles (including the rectus abdominis and obliques), which protect the internal organs, stabilize the torso, and are involved in functions such as coughing and straining.
Inside is abdominal cavity , separated from the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm. It contains, among other things:
- Organs of the digestive system: stomach, small and large intestines, liver with gallbladder, pancreas.
- spleen,
- In the back, behind the peritoneum, are the kidneys and large blood vessels.
Doctors divide the abdominal surface into zones to accurately describe where pain or changes occur. The most common terms are: epigastrium (upper, middle part below the sternum), right and left hypochondrium , the navel area and hypogastrium (lower abdomen).
Stomach - structure and location
Stomach The esophagus is a dilated, J-shaped section of the digestive tract. It is located in the upper abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, primarily on the left side—in the epigastric region and left hypochondrium. It connects superiorly to the esophagus and inferiorly to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
The stomach consists of several parts: cardia (connection points with the esophagus), bottom , bodies — the largest part — and gatekeeper , which regulates the movement of contents into the intestines. According to the website Medycyna Praktyczna, the volume of the adult stomach is approximately 1 liter, and when dilated, up to 3 liters.
Functions of the stomach and the role of the abdominal cavity
The stomach performs certain functions in the digestion process:
- stocks up food and gradually transfers it into the intestines.
- mixes it with gastric juice due to contractions of the muscular wall.
- Hydrochloric acid starts the process of protein digestion – it activates pepsinogen, converting it into pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins.
- It has a bactericidal effect due to the acidic environment.
- highlights Castle's intrinsic factor , necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines.
The stomach wall is protected from acid by a layer of mucus. The abdominal cavity as a whole doesn't perform any single "function"—it's an area where many organs function: digestion and absorption occur primarily in the small intestine, the liver and pancreas produce digestive juices, and the muscles of the abdominal wall protect all of this from the external environment.
Table: abdomen and stomach
| Characteristic | Stomach | Stomach |
|---|---|---|
| What's happened | Body part (torso area) | Digestive tract organ |
| Position | Between the rib cage and the pelvis | The upper part of the abdominal cavity, mainly on the left, below the diaphragm. |
| Construction | Skin, muscles, abdominal cavity with many organs. | Cardium, bottom, trunk, pylorus |
| Role | Protection and «embedding» of organs, work of the trunk muscles. | Storage and mixing of food, digestion of proteins. |
| Typical diseases | Abdominal pain with many possible causes | Pain in the epigastric region, nausea, feeling of fullness in the stomach. |
| Tests | For example, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity. | For example, gastroscopy |
Abdominal pain or stomach pain – how to tell the difference?
In everyday speech, "stomach pain" often refers to any pain in the abdominal cavity. However, the abdominal cavity contains many organs, and pain can be felt in places other than the source. General tips:
- Pain in the upper abdomen (under the breastbone), nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness are the most common symptoms of stomach diseases, but they can have other causes.
- Pain in other areas – for example, in the lower abdomen or side – it more often affects other organs: the intestines, urinary tract, and in women also the reproductive organs.
- In most cases, abdominal pain is mild and goes away within a few days (for example, with bloating, indigestion, constipation, or a gastrointestinal infection).
Urgent medical attention is required for symptoms such as sudden or severe pain, tenderness to the touch in the abdomen, vomiting blood or a substance resembling coffee grounds, tarry (black) or bloody stools, inability to urinate, have a bowel movement, or pass gas, as well as chest pain or shortness of breath. If pain worsens, persists, or recurs, consult a doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the belly and the stomach the same thing?
No. The abdominal cavity is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis, and the stomach is one of the organs located in the abdominal cavity, along with the intestines, liver, pancreas, and others.
Which side is the belly on?
The stomach is located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, under the diaphragm, mainly on the left side - in the epigastric region and left hypochondrium.
How does abdominal pain manifest itself?
Stomach problems most often cause epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness. However, these same symptoms can also be caused by problems in other organs, so it's important to consult a doctor to determine the cause.
Does "flat stomach" have anything to do with belly size?
The appearance of the abdomen depends primarily on the amount of fat tissue, the tone of the abdominal muscles, and body composition. The stomach is just one of many abdominal organs.
When does abdominal pain require emergency medical attention?
If symptoms appear suddenly and are very severe, accompanied by abdominal pain when touched, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, difficulty urinating, having a bowel movement, or flatulence, as well as chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention or go to the emergency room.
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