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what organ is in the upper left abdomen

by Dr. Jameson Kuhic III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The upper left side of your abdomen is home to several of your major internal organs. Your spleen and a large portion of your stomach reside in the upper left side of your abdomen, as well as portions of your pancreas, left kidney, your large colon, and your liver.Jan 22, 2021

Common Causes

The spleen is located between the stomach and the diaphragm, on the left side of the body. It is shaped like a fist and its main function is to clean blood, combat infection and get rid of old red blood cells.

Related Conditions

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a problem in any of these body areas:

  • Blood vessels in the abdomen
  • Gallbladder
  • Intestines
  • Kidneys
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen

What organ is on the lower left side of the body?

What organ is lower left quadrant? Organs found in this quadrant include the sigmoid colon, and the left ovary and Fallopian tube in women. Beside this, what organs are on your lower left side? The lower left side of your abdomen is home to the last part of your colon, and for some women, the left ovary.

What organs are in the lower abdomen?

What organs are in the left upper quadrant quizlet?

  • left lobe of liver. Location.
  • stomach. Location.
  • spleen. Location.
  • kidney. Location.
  • pancreas. Location.
  • descending colon. Location.
  • transverse colon. Location.

What organ is lower left quadrant?

What organs are in the upper left quadrant?

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What causes pain upper left abdomen?

Pain in the upper left abdomen can be caused by a stomach ulcer, acute gastritis, a viral infection, or indigestion. But it may be an issue with your lungs, like pneumonia. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.

What major organ is on your upper left side?

Organs in the left upper quadrant include the stomach, spleen, left portion of the liver, main body of the pancreas, the left portion of the kidney, adrenal glands, splenix flexure of the colon, and bottom part of the colon.

When should I worry about upper abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for severe upper abdominal pain that comes on suddenly, especially if it is accompanied by: an inability to have bowel movements. bloody stool, vomiting blood, or abdominal rigidity, which refers to an abdomen that is very firm or hard. breathing difficulties.

Is left upper abdominal pain serious?

Some of the causes of pain in the upper left abdomen may be treated at home, but others can be life threatening. So it's important to contact your doctor if your pain is unexplained, persistent, or severe — even if you don't think it's serious.

How do you know if your spleen is inflamed?

An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.

What does pancreatitis pain feel like?

Acute pancreatitis symptoms Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating. Swollen, tender abdomen.

How can you tell the difference between gastritis and pancreatitis?

0:472:36Difference Between Gastritis And Pancreatitis - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut when it comes to pancreatitis even the pancreatitis presents as severe abdomen pain butMoreBut when it comes to pancreatitis even the pancreatitis presents as severe abdomen pain but pancreatitis happens to be a critical disease pancreatitis is usually seen in alcoholics.

Where do you feel liver pain?

Pain in your liver itself can feel like a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing sensation in your right upper abdomen just under your ribs. General abdominal pain and discomfort can also be related to swelling from fluid retention and enlargement of your spleen and liver caused by cirrhosis.

Where is pain located with pancreatitis?

The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain in your upper abdomen that may spread to your back.

Can gallbladder cause left side pain under ribs?

The most common symptom of gallbladder disease is pain, called biliary colic, which occurs in the upper abdomen, near the rib cage. This kind of gallbladder attack is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The attacks may be triggered by large or fatty meals, often waking patients up during the night.

When should I worry about pain under my left rib cage?

Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. This type of pain can be a sign of a respiratory issue, and in more serious cases, it can indicate a heart attack.

What hurts on left side under ribs?

Causes of left rib pain On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage. It's also possible to injure your ribs themselves.

What side of the body is the reproductive organ?

When you look at yourself in a mirror, your body may appear relatively symmetrical, with two eyes, two ears, two arms, and so on. But under the skin, your left and right sides house different internal organs. Here’s a brief guide to the internal left side of your body, starting at your upper left.

Where is the left fallopian tube?

Left fallopian tube. The female body has one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus (womb) in the pelvis. The fallopian tube runs between the ovary and the uterus. It’s also known as a uterine tube.

What are the parts of the lungs that are involved in air intake?

They take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. The lungs sit inside your rib cage. The lungs are made up of a spongy pink material. The lungs expand and contract as you breathe. The parts of the lungs involved in air intake are: bronchi. bronchiole tubes.

What does the kidney do?

What it does. The kidneys filter out wastes and extra fluids from your body into urine. Your kidneys help keep the salts and minerals in your blood in proper balance. The kidneys also make hormones that are important in controlling your blood pressure and producing red blood cells.

What is the role of the liver in the body?

The liver also plays a role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and storing vitamins and minerals. Your liver sends bile out into the small intestine, which helps aid the digestion and absorption of fats into the body. Bile is eliminated in feces.

How long does it take for a stomach to digest food?

Gastric acids and enzymes start the digestion process. After three to four hours , the stomach contents move on to be further digested.

Where are the kidneys located?

You have two kidneys located below your rib cage. They’re on either side of your spine, in front of your lowest (floating) ribs. The kidneys are bean-shaped and about fist-sized. Your left kidney is typically a little larger than the right one.

What side of the stomach does the leaflet look at?

This leaflet looks at pains which can develop in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen) on your left hand side. It deals with possible causes (such as stomach ulcers or pancreatitis ), how a diagnosis might be made and what the treatment might be.

Where is the pain in the upper tummy?

The pain is usually in the centre of the upper part of your tummy, but can be felt on the left. In acute pancreatitis there is usually also a fever and you may feel very unwell in yourself. Cancers of the pancreas can also cause upper tummy pain.

What causes pain in the middle of the stomach?

For example: Stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers tend to give you pain in the middle of your tummy just under your ribs.

What is the left upper quadrant?

The left upper quadrant (LUQ) is a section of your tummy (abdomen). Look down at your tummy, and mentally divide the area from the bottom of your ribs down to your pubes into four quarters. The quarter on your left side closest to your ribs is your LUQ.

Why does my stomach hurt when I have diverticulitis?

It usually comes with a temperature and an altered bowel habit. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These are long-term conditions which can cause pain anywhere in the tummy at times.

Why does my stomach hurt when I'm pregnant?

However, in pregnancy a common cause of discomfort is the sheer pressure of the womb pressing on other organs, and pressing them into the diaphragm. Also problems with indigestion tend to be common in pregnancy, again at least partly due to the pressure on the stomach.

Where is the spleen located?

Your spleen is just behind your stomach, under and behind the lower ribs on your left. Its main functions are to filter your blood, create new blood cells and store platelets. It is also a key part of your body's immune system. It may cause pain:

Where is the pain in the upper left abdomen?

The pain and tenderness you may be experiencing can likely be described by the following details: Location: It will likely be beneath the lower edge of the rib cage, on the left side. Sensitive: The pain will be evident on palpation (pressing) of the left upper abdomen.

What is the pain in the left side of the abdomen called?

Left adrenal gland. Upper left sections of the large intestine. Pain in the upper left abdomen is also called pain in the left upper quadrant, pain under the left ribcage, or pain in the left hypochondrium.

What is the name of the test for upper abdominal pain?

If the symptoms began suddenly, laboratory tests on blood, breath, and stool may be ordered. Upper endoscopy or abdominal x-ray may be done.

How to treat a stomach ache?

Treatment involves pain management through both medication and surgical procedures. Lifestyle improvements through diet, exercise, and stress management can also be very helpful. Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain that comes and goes.

What is the pain of eating on an empty stomach?

Stomach ulcer. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum), which causes pain following meals or on an empty stomach. Rarity: Uncommon. Top Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, moderate abdominal pain, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)

How many quadrants are there in the abdomen?

Are you experiencing pain in your upper left abdomen? The abdomen can be separated into four quadrants, making it easier to pinpoint the source of your pain. However, it's quite likely that it will resolve on its own.

Why does my left side hurt?

Cancer. Cancer is considered a rare cause of pain in the upper left abdomen. Localized tumor: A cancerous growth anywhere in the left upper quadrant can cause pain. There may or may not be a lump in the vicinity of the pain.

What is the pain on the left side of the chest?

Costochondritis occurs when the cartilage that connects your rib cage to your breastbone becomes inflamed. It can have symptoms that are similar to a heart attack. The symptoms of costochondritis include the following: pain on the left side of your chest. pain that’s sharp, feels like pressure, or feels achy.

Where is the appendix located?

Appendicitis occurs when your appendix is inflamed. Although the appendix isn’t located in the upper left abdomen, in rare cases, it can cause pain in the area. The symptoms may include: abdominal pain that’s usually in the lower right quadrant. abdomen being tender to the touch.

What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in children?

Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or have stools that are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation is the most common. Trusted Source. cause of abdominal pain in children.

What is the name of the condition that causes abdominal pain and cramping?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition involving a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. Symptoms include: abdominal pain or cramping, usually with diarrhea or constipation.

Why does my left side hurt under my ribs?

Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes. This is because there are several important organs in this area, including the: spleen. kidney. pancreas. stomach. colon. lung. Although the heart isn’t in the upper left abdomen, it can refer pain to the area.

What are the symptoms of bowel disease?

Symptoms of IBD may include: exhaustion or fatigue. fever. cramping and pain in your abdomen. diarrhea.

What is the name of the organ that is located under the abdomen?

There is a list of organs present in large intestines which includes colon, rectum and cecum . The cecum basically starts from the right lower side.

What are the organs on the left side of the body?

In higher animals, organs are grouped into organ systems; for example, the esophagus, stomach, and liver are organs of the digestive system.

What organs secrete estrogen and progesterone?

The sex hormones of female such as estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the almond shaped organs called ovaries . The production of egg also depends on the proper functioning of ovaries. Turns are taken by the ovaries of both sides every month for egg release.

What organ controls water distribution?

It also controls and assists water distribution throughout the body. A weak spleen can cause water retention in certain areas of the body as well as weak immune system. Pancreas. Pancreas, a vital digestive gland found at the back of stomach.

What is the position of the heart?

The exact position of heart is marginally toward the breastbone of the left side. Both the sides of heart are separated by a solid wall known as septal wall. Each side contains 2 chambers from which the upper ones are called atria and lower ones are ventricles. The atria are smaller in size than ventricles and are used to hold the blood before transferring to the ventricles. The atrium and ventricle of left side are thicker than the right side.

Which is smaller, the atria or the ventricle?

The atria are smaller in size than ventricles and are used to hold the blood before transferring to the ventricles. The atrium and ventricle of left side are thicker than the right side. The area that loads up the food we eat in the digestive system is called stomach.

Why is the left kidney higher than the right?

The left kidney is positioned slightly higher than the right one because the right kidney is pressed downwards by the liver. The size of left kidney is almost the size of a fist. At the top of the kidney sit adrenal or suprarenal glands. The adrenal glands of left and right side differ in size and shape.

What quadrant of the abdomen is the pain?

Since so much of your abdominal organs and muscles are found in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, there are many conditions and injuries that can cause abdominal pain to be experienced there. Here you will find information on the most common causes found.

Why does my left side of my abdomen hurt?

Upper left abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, chills and vomiting. Do not confuse kidney infections with kidney stones as their causes are different and treatments will vary. Pneumonia is another common reason for abdominal pain and is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus.

How long does abdominal pain last?

Your abdominal pain can be acute and short lived. However, there are many cases in which abdominal pain is chronic, lasting for days, weeks or even months. Hopefully, if you are experiencing chronic abdominal ...

Where is the pain in the upper left quadrant?

There are many organs in your upper left abdominal quadrant that can be affected, causing pain in that area. Treatment for LUQ pain depends on cause. Abdominal pain occurs in the area between your chest and your pelvis, and is something that everyone has experienced. It can be as simple as a little tummy ache to more severe medical conditions ...

What does it mean when your left side hurts?

Pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, often referred to as upper left quadrant pain, is usually indicative of something wrong with the organs and/or tissue structures located on that area of the torso. Part of your bowel, your spleen, the end part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the left part of your liver, ...

What is the best way to diagnose abdominal pain?

Physical exams, x-rays or CT scans are the most effective methods to diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain. Blood and urine tests may also be done for diagnosis purposes. Your treatments will depend primarily on the cause for your abdominal pain.

What causes stomach pain?

Also known as the stomach flu, this inflammation of the stomach is caused by a virus or bacterial infection. Viral germs as well as contaminated food and water are often the culprits here. Common symptoms other than abdominal pain include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea and a loss of appetite.

Which side of the body is the stomach located?

But at the point of the stomach, the gut moves to the left side of the axis. So, the stomach is positioned to the left of the body in the abdomen.

What side of the body are the organs?

Organs on Left Side of Body with Pictures. Organs on the left side of the body are those organized towards the left of the body axis. The human body, when divided into two halves along the vertical axis, the organs can be found distributed on the left and right hands side of the column. To the left of the vertebral column, ...

Where are the adrenal glands located?

There are a pair of adrenal glands, each located on a kidney. One of them is found on top of the left kidney. This gland releases adrenaline, a neurotransmitter and also corticosteroid hormones. The corticosteroids include glucocorticoidsand mineralocorticoids.

Which organ controls blood glucose levels?

Pancreas. This is the organ present near the stomach. The pancreasact s as both an endocrine andexocrine gland. By its exocrine function, it helps in digestion by the release of digestive enzymes. By its endocrine function, it controls blood glucose levels.

Where is the kidney located?

Kidney. As we know, there is a pair of kidneys in our body. One is located on the left side of the vertebral column in the hip region. The other is on the right side. This is connected to the urinary bladder through the left ureter.

Which part of the respiratory system is the lung?

Lung. These are a pair of balloon-like structures with air in them. One is located on the left side and is part of the respiratory system. It helps in the exchange of gasses in the body from the air.

What organ is responsible for the destruction of blood cells?

Spleen. This is an organ of the immune system. It performs functions like the formation and destruction of blood cells, blood storage. Old red blood cells are mostly destroyed here after 120 days of their lifespan.

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1.What Organs Are in the Left Upper Quadrant?

Url:https://www.reference.com/science/organs-left-upper-quadrant-d329760d6584d66c

17 hours ago  · The organs found in the left upper quadrant are the left sections of the liver and kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, stomach, pancreas, colon’s splenic flexure and lower portion of the colon. The left upper quadrant is the area of the abdomen that is on the left side region of the navel and extends up to the left rib cage.

2.Organs on Left Side of Body: Inside and Out, From Head …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/organs-in-the-body-left-side

17 hours ago Damaged, Ruptured, or Enlarged Spleen: The spleen is located on the side of the upper left abdomen, behind the ribs (NHS, 2019). It is an important organ for the body’s immune system. Any condition that might affect the spleen is a direct cause for pain felt in …

3.Left Upper Abdominal Pain | Left Upper Quadrant - Patient

Url:https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/left-upper-quadrant-pain-leaflet

3 hours ago  · The organs within your LUQ include: Spleen. Stomach. Pancreas (a part of it - it crosses the midline). Left kidney (at the back behind the other organs) and left adrenal gland. Upper part of the large bowel (colon). A small part of your liver (most of it is on the right side, but a small part of it ...

4.Upper Left Abdominal Pain | What You Need to Know | Buoy

Url:https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/pain-upper-left-abdomen

29 hours ago  · Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes. This is because there are several important organs in this area, including the: spleen. kidney. pancreas. stomach ...

5.Upper Left Abdominal Pain Under Ribs: Symptoms and 18 …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/upper-left-abdominal-pain-under-ribs

3 hours ago  · The spleen is positioned in the left upper side of abdomen. It is an organ 4 inches long, responsible for producing new blood cells and removing useless cells. Spleen is also responsible for filtration of blood and fighting bacteria which can cause diseases like meningitis and pneumonia.

6.What Organs Are on the Left Side? - New Health Advisor

Url:https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/What-Organs-Are-on-the-Left-Side.html

22 hours ago  · Part of your bowel, your spleen, the end part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the left part of your liver, the left side of your kidneys, a portion of your ureter, the left adrenal gland, part of your left lung, the lower portion of your left ribs, the aorta, many muscles and skin are all located in this upper left quadrant of your abdomen.

7.Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Pain: Common Causes

Url:https://www.md-health.com/Upper-Left-Abdominal-Pain.html

24 hours ago  · Spleen. This is a dark purple organ located on the left side near the stomach in the abdominal cavity. It performs functions like the formation and destruction of blood cells, storage of blood, and also immune. Old red blood cells are mostly destroyed after 120 days of …

8.12 Organs on Left Side of Body with Pictures and Functions

Url:https://www.studyread.com/organs-on-left-side-of-body/

23 hours ago What organs are in the 4 quadrants of the body? The quadrants are referred to as the left lower quadrant, left upper quadrant, right upper quadrant and right lower quadrant. Important organs here are: Stomach. Spleen. Left lobe of liver. Body of pancreas. Left kidney and adrenal gland. Splenic flexure of colon. Parts of transverse and ...

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