RLQ
Medical abbreviation · Anatomy
| Stands for | Right lower quadrant |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
RLQ stands for Right lower quadrant, an anatomy abbreviation.
Lower right region of the abdomen, containing the cecum, appendix, terminal ileum, right ovary and fallopian tube and the right ureter. RLQ pain is the classic location of appendicitis, which typically begins near the navel and migrates to McBurney point.
Example: RLQ tenderness with rebound and fever; CT abdomen to evaluate for appendicitis.
Usage notes
McBurney point lies one-third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. In women of reproductive age, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion and ruptured cysts must be considered, so a pregnancy test and pelvic ultrasound are routine. Crohn disease often involves the terminal ileum in this quadrant.
Related abbreviations
More anatomy abbreviations
- PCA – Posterior cerebral artery
- PCL – Posterior cruciate ligament
- PIP – Proximal interphalangeal (joint)
- PNS – Peripheral nervous system
- PT – Posterior tibial (artery or pulse)
- RC – Rotator cuff
- RUQ – Right upper quadrant
- S1 – First sacral vertebra or nerve root
- SB – Small bowel
- SCM – Sternocleidomastoid (muscle)
- SFA – Superficial femoral artery
- SI – Sacroiliac (joint)
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.