Abdominal Wall Structure.txt

The Umbilicus is the navel.

Skin is the outer protective coating of the body.

Fascia is what gives the abdominal wall its strength, so it is critical in wound closure to close this layer properly and effectively.  Failure to do so could compromise the integrity of the incision and be a reason for the patient to return to the operating room for surgical repair.

Muscle is Body tissue which, by its ability to shorten, can cause voluntary and involuntary movement within the body.  Muscles are also very vascular and are very slow to heal.

Posterior Layer of Rectus Sheath is another fibrous layer of tissue that is posterior to the muscle layer. This is the first layer to be closed at the end of a procedure.It is not as dense nor as strong as the anterior fascia; therefore, it does not provide as much strength to the abdominal wall.

Peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (also called the peritoneal cavity). It also envelopes the abdominal organs and helps to keep them in position by forming their mesenteries.