What is "epigastrium"

Epigastrium \Ep`i*gas"tri*um\, n. [NL., from Gr. ?.] (Anat.) The upper part of the abdomen.

1680s, Modern Latin, from Greek epigastrion "region of the abdomen from the breasts to the navel," neuter of epigastrios "over the belly," from epi "on, above" (see epi-) + gaster "stomach" (see gastric). The region below the navel is the hypogastrium.

n. (context anatomy English) The upper middle region of the abdomen, between the umbilical and hypochondriac regions.

1. n. the region lying on or over the stomach (just below the sternum)

2. [also: epigastria (pl)]

In anatomy, the epigastrium (or epigastric region) is the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane.

The epigastrium is one of the nine regions of the abdomen, along with the right and left hypochondria, right and left lateral regions (lumbar areas or flanks), right and left inguinal regions (or fossae), and the umbilical and pubic regions.

During breathing the diaphragm contracts and flattens, displacing the viscera and producing an outward movement of the upper abdominal wall (epigastric region). It is a convergence of the diaphragm and the abdominals, so that "when both sets of muscles (diaphragm and abdominals) tense, the epigastrium pushes forward". Therefore, the epigastric region is not a muscle nor is it an organ, but it is a zone of activity where the actions of the rectus abdominus and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the upper abdominal wall. It is also the spot where the Heimlich Maneuver is able to produce a rapid and forceful exhalation of breath.