abdominal cavity

noun

plural abdominal cavities

: the cavity of the abdomen (see abdomen sense 1) that is lined by peritoneum, is bounded above by the diaphragm, anteriorly by a wall of muscle and tissue, and posteriorly by the spinal column, is continuous below with the pelvic cavity, and contains many of the visceral organs and especially those involved in digestion (such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines)

He makes a half-inch incision in the navel and inserts a laparoscope, a flexible optical device for inspecting the abdominal cavity.

—Matt Clark

Most hernias can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

—Fred Cicetti

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

abdominal cavity

noun

: abdomen sense 1b