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:
- Describe the distribution of the peritoneum and the formation of mesenteries,
ligaments and omenta.
- Describe the anatomic constituents and relationships of the viscera.
- List the blood supply of the abdomen and learn important anastomoses.
- Demonstrate the biliary and pancreatic duct systems and their major variations.
- Describe the innervation of the abdominal viscera; what is visceral referred pain.
- Explain the lymphatic drainage in this region.
- List which viscera are intraperitoneal; which are retroperitoneal.
- Explain the portal circulation.
- Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and
MRI films.
Difficult parts of the dissection:
- Your sharp instruments are still not required. This dissection is, again, best
accomplished with your fingers and blunt instruments.
- The goal, again, is to understand the relationships of structures and the blood supply to
the viscera.