[Functional anatomy of the abdominal wall].

The anterolateral abdominal wall covers a region defined cranially by the xiphoid process and ribs, laterally by the medial axillary line, and caudally by the anterior ilium and pubic bone. Knowledge of the various parts of the abdominal wall is essential to the surgeon for effective laparotomy and primary and secondary hernia care. The abdominal musculature, aponeuroses, vascularity, and innervation are examined in detail along with the according vascular and neural structures of the dermis.