To better understand abdominal swelling, it helps to understand the anatomy of the abdomen.

The internal organs are protected by a muscular abdominal wall:

• Superficial abdominal muscles
• Deep abdominal muscles

Organs in the abdomen include:

• Intestines
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Uterus and ovaries in females (lower abdomen)
• Genitourinary system in males