Where the abdominal organs are

Frequently asked questions

How are positions in the abdomen described?

Lines through the navel, one across and one down, divide it into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. The liver and gallbladder are in the upper right, the stomach and spleen in the upper left, the caecum and ascending colon in the lower right and the descending colon in the lower left.

What is the largest organ in the abdomen?

The liver. It sits in the upper right of the abdomen under the ribs and is the largest internal organ, with the gallbladder tucked beneath it.

Where in the abdomen are the kidneys?

Towards the back rather than the front, at waist height on either side of the spine. Their upper ends are sheltered by the lower ribs, and an adrenal gland sits on top of each.