1. CT ABDOMEN ANATOMY USC/SOM Department of Radiology Kirk Peterson, MD Class of 2004

2. In this axially CT sequence, we will follow the esophagus caudally until it joins the stomach and eventually the stomach will transition into the duodenum. It is best to few this sequence in the movie mode. Images are viewed as looking From the feet Right Left

3. The air filled density of the esophagus is outlined in this image. You can follow this down in the next several sequences.

6. The reason the esophagus appears solid in this image is because this is likely the gastroesophageal junction’s muscular sphincter

7. Gastroesophageal junction, next image will reveal the cardiac region of the stomach

8. . If you look closely, you can appreciate the surface texture of the esophagus joining the cardiac portion of the stomach

9. .

12. Body of the stomach

15. You can begin to see the pancreas emerging just posterior to the stomach. The pancreas has about the same density, but it appears less well defined.

16. Now we have entered the antrum region. On the next image, you will appreciate just how much the pancreas is posterior to the stomach. The other highlighted circle represents the duodenum in plane With the long axis of the body. The reason for its different density is that it is primarily a fluid containing structure in this section. You can actually make out the bowel wall with the fluid filled lumen. The fluid is less dense (darker) than the bowel wall.

17. Duodenum,Antrum, Pancreas