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AN45.1-3 | Introduction to Posterior abdominal wall
The posterior abdominal wall forms the back of the abdominal cavity and is bounded posteriorly by the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs. It houses major vessels (aorta, IVC), the retroperitoneal organs (kidneys, ureters, adrenals), and gives origin to the lumbar plexus that supplies the lower limb. In this module you will master the thoracolumbar fascia and its clinical relevance, the back muscles and their nerve supply, and the lumbar plexus with its branches and clinical significance.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the layers, attachments, and clinical significance of the thoracolumbar fascia (AN45.1)
- Describe the lumbar plexus — root values, formation, branches, and clinical anatomy of injury (AN45.2)
- Describe the back muscles (erector spinae group), their nerve supply, and actions (AN45.3)
PREREQUISITES
Knowledge of lumbar vertebra anatomy and the general plan of a spinal nerve is essential. Review the dermatomes of the lower limb before studying the lumbar plexus.
References
- Gray's Anatomy for Students — Posterior Abdominal Wall (Textbook)
- BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, Vol. 2 — Back muscles and lumbar plexus (Textbook)
Version 1.0 | Academe Content Engine v2, MGMCRI Department of Anatomy | ~35 min