Abdominal Regions and Associated Pain

Abdominal pain is a common medical complaint, and the causes can range from something as simple as gas to as something as serious as ovarian torsion. To pinpoint the cause of a problem, it is helpful to visually divide the abdomen into four different regions or quadrants. Knowing which organs are associated with each region can help determine the cause of abdominal pain.

Right upper abdomen

Organs: liver, gallbladder, duodenum, kidney

Potential Causes of Pain: hepatitis, cholecystitis, kidney stones

Right lower abdomen

Organs: appendix, colon, ovary

Potential Causes of Pain: appendicitis, diverticulitis, endometriosis, ovarian torsion

Left upper abdomen

Organs: stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidney

Potential Causes of Pain: gastritis, splenomegaly, pancreatitis, kidney stones

Left lower abdomen

Organs: colon, ovary

Potential Causes of Pain: colitis, diverticulitis, endometriosis, ovarian torsion