Final answer:
The abdominal wall is divided into either nine regions or four quadrants for diagnostic purposes, with the quadrants being used more commonly in medicine. This division helps in describing the location of abdominal issues and involves various muscles organized into three layers.
Step-by-step explanation:
For convenience and clear communication, especially regarding the location of abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, the abdominal wall is divided into different sections. Health care providers typically divide the abdominal cavity into either nine regions or four quadrants. The nine regions are detailed and created using one horizontal line below the ribs and one above the pelvis, with two vertical lines dropped from the midpoint of each clavicle. In contrast, the four quadrants, which are more commonly used in medicine, are formed by intersecting one horizontal and one vertical line at the patient's navel (umbilicus).
The anterior abdominal wall, which is made up of skin, fascia, and four pairs of muscles, serves to protect the organs within the abdomen and assist movement of the vertebral column. These muscles include the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles, which are organized into three layers.