What organ is on the left side of the abdomen?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the left side of the abdomen may contain organs such as the stomach, spleen, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the left ureter. In daily life, it is recommended to keep the abdomen warm to avoid cold-induced gastrointestinal spasms. Maintain regular meal times, and keep a relaxed and positive mood to reduce the adverse effects of anxiety and stress on the gastrointestinal system, thus maintaining the health of abdominal organs.
The term "belly" refers to the abdomen. In general, organs located on the left side of the abdomen may include the stomach, spleen, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the left ureter.
1. Stomach: Most of the stomach lies in the left hypochondriac region, with a smaller portion in the epigastric region, approximately posterior to the left 7th–11th costal cartilages.
2. Spleen: The spleen is located deep within the left hypochondriac region, corresponding to the 9th–11th ribs, with its long axis aligned with the 10th rib.
3. Descending colon: The descending colon begins at the splenic flexure, travels downward vertically along the lateral border of the left kidney and anterior to the quadratus lumborum muscle, and continues into the sigmoid colon at the level of the left iliac crest.
4. Sigmoid colon: The sigmoid colon lies between the descending colon and the rectum. It begins at the level of the left iliac crest, curves through the left iliac fossa into the pelvic cavity, and continues as the rectum at the level of the third sacral vertebra.
5. Left ureter: The left ureter is a slender muscular tube extending from the renal pelvis above to the bladder below.
In daily life, it is recommended to keep the abdomen warm to prevent cold exposure that could lead to gastrointestinal spasms. Maintain regular meal times, practice eating small meals frequently, and avoid overeating or consuming excessive amounts of irritating foods. Additionally, maintain a positive mood and reduce anxiety and stress, which can negatively affect gastrointestinal function, thereby supporting the health of abdominal organs.
