Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Abdominal Viscera.

This dissection is a continuation of the previous dissection remembering the relationships of viscera and the reflections of peritoneum around those viscera.


Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the abdominal wall at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.


Specific Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the distribution of the peritoneum and the formation of mesenteries, ligaments and omenta.
  2. Describe the anatomic constituents and relationships of the viscera.
  3. List the blood supply of the abdomen and learn important anastomoses.
  4. Demonstrate the biliary and pancreatic duct systems and their major variations.
  5. Describe the innervation of the abdominal viscera; what is visceral referred pain.
  6. Explain the lymphatic drainage in this region.
  7. List which viscera are intraperitoneal; which are retroperitoneal.
  8. Explain the portal circulation.
  9. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.


Difficult parts of the dissection:

  1. Your sharp instruments are still not required. This dissection is, again, best accomplished with your fingers and blunt instruments.
  2. The goal, again, is to understand the relationships of structures and the blood supply to the viscera.

John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2000
Created: Mar 12, 2000