Right upper quadrant (abdomen) facts for kids
The right upper quadrant (RUQ) is a special area in your tummy, also called the abdomen. It's on your right side, just under your ribs. Sometimes, this area is also called the epigastrium. Imagine a line going straight down the middle of your body and another line going across your belly button. The RUQ is the top-right section formed by these lines.
If you feel pain in your right upper quadrant, it can sometimes mean something is wrong with one of the organs there. Doctors use this area to help figure out what might be causing a problem.
What's Inside the RUQ?
The right upper quadrant is home to several important organs. These organs help your body digest food and do many other vital jobs.
- Liver: This is your body's largest internal organ. It helps clean your blood and makes important chemicals.
- Gall bladder: This small organ stores bile, a liquid made by the liver that helps you digest fats.
- Duodenum: This is the first part of your small intestine, right after your stomach. Food goes here after leaving the stomach.
- Pancreas: This gland makes insulin, which helps your body use sugar for energy. It also makes juices that help digest food.
- Colon: Part of your large intestine is in the RUQ. The colon helps remove water from digested food.
- Stomach: A small part of your stomach can also be found in this area.
Why Does My RUQ Hurt?
Pain in the right upper quadrant can be a sign of different health issues. Here are a few examples of what might cause pain in this area:
- Enlarged Liver (Hepatomegaly): Your liver might become bigger than usual.
- Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Your spleen, an organ that helps filter blood, might get bigger.
- Both Liver and Spleen Enlarged (Hepatosplenomegaly): Sometimes, both organs can become enlarged at the same time.
- Gallstones: These are small, hard deposits that can form in your gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile and cause pain.
- Pyloric Stenosis: This is a condition where the opening from the stomach to the small intestine becomes too narrow. This can make it hard for food to pass through.
If you ever feel pain in your right upper quadrant, it's always a good idea to tell a trusted adult, like a parent or guardian, so they can help you see a doctor if needed.
Images for kids
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Diagram showing which organs (or parts of organs) are in each quadrant of the abdomen
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Regions of abdomen
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Regions shown on left in side-by-side comparison with quadrants.
