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Webster 1913 Edition
Abdomen
Ab-do′men
,Noun.
[L.
abdomen
(a word of uncertain etymol.): cf. F. abdomen
.] 1.
(Anat.)
The belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis. Also, the cavity of the belly, which is lined by the peritoneum, and contains the stomach, bowels, and other viscera. In man, often restricted to the part between the diaphragm and the commencement of the pelvis, the remainder being called the pelvic cavity.
2.
(Zool.)
The posterior section of the body, behind the thorax, in insects, crustaceans, and other Arthropoda.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abdomen
AB'DOMEN
, or ABDO'MEN,Noun.
1.
The lower belly or that part of the body which lies between the thorax and the bottom of the pelvis. It is lined with a membrane called peritoneum, and contains the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and guts. It is separated from the breast internally by the diaphragm, and externally, by the extremities of the ribs. On its outer surface it is divided into four regions - the epigastric, the umbilical, the hypogastric and lumbar.2.
In insects, the lower part of the animal, united to the corslet by a thread. In some species, it is covered with wings, and a case. It is divided into segments and rings, on the sides of which are small spiracles by which the insect respires.