Biology 122 Spring, 2008

Laboratory 16

Diaphragm, Large Intestine, Kidneys and Posterior Abdominal Wall

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this laboratory you should:

1. Know the characteristic internal and external features of the large intestine, from the ileocolic junction to the sigmoid colon.

2. Know the course and distribution of the inferior mesenteric and superior rectal vessels.

3. Be able to describe the gross structure, blood supply, venous drainage, innervation and relationships of the kidneys and suprarenal glands. The position, orientation and relationships of the ureter should also be understood.

4. Know the component parts of the diaphragm and be able to demonstrate its blood supply, innervation and anatomical relationships on the cadaver.

5. Be able to discuss and describe the composition, course and distribution of the autonomic nerves and nerve plexuses of the abdomen. This includes the sympathetic chain, greater and lesser splanchnic nerves, the lumbar splanchnic nerves, the celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses and ganglia, and the aortic plexus and its continuation as the superior hypogastric plexus.

6. Know the structure, attachments and relationships of the quadratus lumborum and psoas major (iliopsoas) muscles.

7. Be able to trace the course of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava throughout the abdomen and know the course and distribution of their branches and tributaries.

PRELAB PREPARATION

1. Read the textbook descriptions of the kidneys, ureters and suprarenal glands and their vessels, nerves and relationships (pp. 308-321). Read those portions of your textbook dealing with the posterior muscles of the abdominal wall (psoas and quadratus lumborum), the diaphragm and the blood supply and innervation of the posterior abdominal wall (pp. 325-343). Review the attachments of the flank muscles to the posterior wall.

2. Review the innervation of the abdominal viscera (pp.321-325).