Anatomy
The Posterior Abdominal Wall
Compiled By Muchiri Simon
Edition: 2024/25
, Medical & Nursing | Anatomy I of IV pages
1. What are the bones of the posterior abdominal wall?
Lumbar vertebraeRibs 11/12Ilia Sacrum
2. What are muscles of the posterior abdominal wall?
Diaphragm Quadratus lumborum Iliacus Psoas
3. What is the diaphragm anchored by?
Crura (left and right crus)
4. Purpose of the central tendon of the diaphragm
to not crush the structures that pass through the hiatus
5. What are the levels of the structures that pass through the hiatus?
IVC - T8Oesophagus - T10 Aorta - T12
6. Location of the quadratus lumborum
Post to kidneys
- Superficially to the psoas major
7. Attachments of quadratus lumborum
It originates from the iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament
The fibres travel superomedially, inserting onto the transverse processes of L1-L4 and the inferior border of
8. What are the actions carried out by the quadratus lumborum?
Extension and lateral flexion of the vertebral column
- It also fixes the 12th rib during inspiration, so that the contraction of diaphragm is not wasted
9. What is the innervation of the quadratus lumborum?
Anterior rami of T12-L4 nerves
10. Location of the psoas major
The psoas major is located near the midline of the posterior abdominal wall, immediately lateral to the lumbar
11. What are the attachments of the psoas major?
Originates from the transverse processes and vertebral bodies of T12-L5.
It then moves inferiorly and laterally, running deep to the inguinal ligament, and attaching to the lesser
12. What are the actions of psoas major?
Flexion of the thigh at the hip lateral flexion of the vertebral column
13. What is the innervation of the psoas major?
Anterior rami of L1-L3 nerves
14. Location of psoas minor
Is only present in 60% of the population. It is located anterior to the psoas major
15. Attachments of psoas minor
Anatomy 2024/25 Edition
The Posterior Abdominal Wall
Compiled By Muchiri Simon
Edition: 2024/25
, Medical & Nursing | Anatomy I of IV pages
1. What are the bones of the posterior abdominal wall?
Lumbar vertebraeRibs 11/12Ilia Sacrum
2. What are muscles of the posterior abdominal wall?
Diaphragm Quadratus lumborum Iliacus Psoas
3. What is the diaphragm anchored by?
Crura (left and right crus)
4. Purpose of the central tendon of the diaphragm
to not crush the structures that pass through the hiatus
5. What are the levels of the structures that pass through the hiatus?
IVC - T8Oesophagus - T10 Aorta - T12
6. Location of the quadratus lumborum
Post to kidneys
- Superficially to the psoas major
7. Attachments of quadratus lumborum
It originates from the iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament
The fibres travel superomedially, inserting onto the transverse processes of L1-L4 and the inferior border of
8. What are the actions carried out by the quadratus lumborum?
Extension and lateral flexion of the vertebral column
- It also fixes the 12th rib during inspiration, so that the contraction of diaphragm is not wasted
9. What is the innervation of the quadratus lumborum?
Anterior rami of T12-L4 nerves
10. Location of the psoas major
The psoas major is located near the midline of the posterior abdominal wall, immediately lateral to the lumbar
11. What are the attachments of the psoas major?
Originates from the transverse processes and vertebral bodies of T12-L5.
It then moves inferiorly and laterally, running deep to the inguinal ligament, and attaching to the lesser
12. What are the actions of psoas major?
Flexion of the thigh at the hip lateral flexion of the vertebral column
13. What is the innervation of the psoas major?
Anterior rami of L1-L3 nerves
14. Location of psoas minor
Is only present in 60% of the population. It is located anterior to the psoas major
15. Attachments of psoas minor
Anatomy 2024/25 Edition
