Abdomen Injury Mechanisms And Injury Criteria

Sections Abdomen Injury Types and Locations Abdomen Injury Mechanisms Abdomen Injury Criteria Abdomen Injury Tolerance Levels

Figure 17

Definition And Anatomy

In this OPERAS project the abdomen is defined as the lower abdominal cavity that contains the intestines, uterus and bladder and is not protected at all by the rib cage.  Full explanation is given in the Thorax Definition and Anatomy.

The lower abdomen can undergo considerable compression before injury which usually occur as ruptures or contusions allowing contents of the intestine or bladder, and blood, to enter the abdominal cavity.  Although not immediately life-threatening such failures produce long-term medical problems and disabilities.