RUQ
Medical abbreviation · Anatomy
| Stands for | Right upper quadrant |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
RUQ stands for Right upper quadrant, an anatomy abbreviation.
One of four regions of the abdomen formed by imaginary vertical and horizontal lines through the navel. It contains the liver, gallbladder, part of the duodenum, the head of the pancreas, the right kidney and the hepatic flexure of the colon, so RUQ pain classically suggests gallbladder or liver disease.
Example: Sharp RUQ pain after fatty meals, positive Murphy sign; RUQ ultrasound ordered.
Usage notes
The quadrant system is the simplest way to localize abdominal findings; anatomists also use a nine-region scheme (right hypochondrium, epigastrium and so on). Right lower lobe pneumonia and right kidney problems can also cause RUQ pain. A "RUQ ultrasound" is the standard first test for suspected gallstones or cholecystitis.
Related abbreviations
More anatomy abbreviations
- PCL – Posterior cruciate ligament
- PIP – Proximal interphalangeal (joint)
- PNS – Peripheral nervous system
- PT – Posterior tibial (artery or pulse)
- RC – Rotator cuff
- RLQ – Right lower quadrant
- S1 – First sacral vertebra or nerve root
- SB – Small bowel
- SCM – Sternocleidomastoid (muscle)
- SFA – Superficial femoral artery
- SI – Sacroiliac (joint)
- SMA – Superior mesenteric artery
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.