Right lower quadrant (abdomen)

A Graphic showing Contents of Right lower quadrant (abdomen)

The Right lower quadrant of the human abdomen, often abbreviated as RLQ, is used to refer to a portion of the abdomen that allows doctors to localise pain and tenderness, scars, lumps and other items of interest. The RLQ extends from the median plane to the right of the patient, and from the umbilical plane to the right inguinal ligament.

The term is not used in comparative anatomy, since most other animals do not stand erect. The equivalent term for animals is 'right posterior quadrant'.

Important organs

• Cecum
• Appendix
• Ascending Colon
• Right ovary and Fallopian tube
• Right ureter

Clinical significance

The RLQ may be painful and/or tender in such conditions as appendicitis.

Differential diagnosis

In children:

• Gastroenteritis, mesenteric adenitis, Meckel's diverticulitis, intussusception, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, lobar pneumonia

In adults:

• regional enteritis, renal colic, perforated peptic ulcer, testicular torsion, pancreatitis, rectus sheath hematoma, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, torsion/rupture of ovarian cyst

In elderly:

• diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, colonic carcinoma, mesenteric ischemia, leaking aortic aneurysm.

See also

• McBurney's point