Abdomen vs. Stomach — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis, while the stomach is a specific digestive organ within the abdomen. Both are integral to human anatomy, but serve different functions.
Difference Between Abdomen and Stomach
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms abdomen and stomach, although used interchangeably in casual conversation, are distinct when referring to human anatomy. The abdomen encompasses a larger area, extending from below the ribcage to the pelvis. This cavity houses several vital organs, including the liver, intestines, and kidneys, among others. The stomach, on the other hand, is just one of those organs found within the abdominal cavity.
Functionally, the abdomen serves as a protective casing for numerous essential organs. These organs, collectively, participate in a variety of bodily functions ranging from digestion to waste elimination. The stomach, distinctly, is a sac-like muscular organ that primarily processes food by secreting digestive enzymes and acids, breaking down food particles for further digestion in the intestines.
From an external perspective, the abdomen makes up a significant portion of the torso, with its outer layer being comprised of skin, fat, and muscles (like the rectus abdominis, popularly known as the "abs"). The stomach remains internal, not visible externally, and is positioned slightly left of the body's midline, beneath the diaphragm.
In essence, while the abdomen is a broad term that denotes a region of the body, the stomach is specific, referring to a singular organ. It's imperative to understand this distinction, especially in medical contexts, to avoid confusion or miscommunication regarding health concerns or conditions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Body region between chest and pelvis.
Digestive organ that breaks down food.
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Function
Houses various organs.
Digestion of food.
Location
Extends from below ribcage to pelvis.
Inside the abdomen, left of body's midline.
Visibility
External region of the body.
Internal organ, not externally visible.
Composition
Skin, muscles, fat, and organs.
Muscular sac-like structure.
Compare with Definitions
Abdomen
Comprises both the abdominal cavity and its outer wall.
Sit-ups primarily target the muscles in the abdomen.
Stomach
An organ that digests food using acids and enzymes.
Spicy foods can sometimes irritate the stomach lining.
Abdomen
Region housing major organs like liver and intestines.
The doctor examined her abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
Stomach
Sac-like part of the alimentary canal.
The medicine helps in reducing stomach acidity.
Abdomen
Contains digestive and reproductive organs among others.
The surgeon performed an abdomen ultrasound to visualize the organs.
Stomach
Positioned beneath the diaphragm in the abdomen.
She felt butterflies in her stomach before the performance.
Abdomen
The abdomen (colloquially called the belly, tummy, midriff or stomach) is the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and pelvis, in humans and in other vertebrates. The abdomen is the front part of the abdominal segment of the trunk.
Stomach
First site of chemical digestion after ingestion.
The food remains in the stomach for a few hours before moving to the intestines.
Abdomen
The part of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis and encloses the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas in humans and other mammals. Also called belly.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The stomach has a dilated structure and functions as a vital digestive organ.
Abdomen
The corresponding region in vertebrates other than mammals.
Stomach
The enlarged, saclike portion of the digestive tract, one of the principal organs of digestion, located in vertebrates between the esophagus and the small intestine.
Abdomen
The posterior segment of the body in arthropods.
Stomach
A similar digestive structure of many invertebrates.
Abdomen
(obsolete) The fat surrounding the belly.
Stomach
Any of the four compartments into which the stomach of a ruminant is divided.
Abdomen
(anatomy) The belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis, not including the back; or in some lower vertebrates, the portion between the cardiac and caudal regions.
Stomach
The abdomen or belly.
Abdomen
(anatomy) The cavity of the belly, which is lined by the peritoneum, and contains the viscera; often restricted in humans to the part between the diaphragm and the commencement of the pelvis, the remainder being called the pelvic cavity.
He was all bent over complaining of pains in the abdomen.
Stomach
An appetite for food.
Abdomen
The posterior section of the body, behind the thorax, in insects, crustaceans, and other Arthropoda.
Stomach
A desire or inclination, especially for something difficult or unpleasant:had no stomach for quarrels.
Abdomen
The belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis. Also, the cavity of the belly, which is lined by the peritoneum, and contains the stomach, bowels, and other viscera. In man, often restricted to the part between the diaphragm and the commencement of the pelvis, the remainder being called the pelvic cavity.
Stomach
Courage; spirit.
Abdomen
The posterior section of the body, behind the thorax, in insects, crustaceans, and other Arthropoda.
Stomach
(Obsolete)Pride.
Abdomen
The region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis
Stomach
To bear; tolerate.
Abdomen
The cavity containing the major viscera; in mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm
Stomach
(Obsolete)To resent.
Abdomen
The body part between the thorax and pelvis.
He felt a sharp pain in his abdomen after lifting the heavy box.
Stomach
An organ in animals that stores food in the process of digestion.
Abdomen
Central part of the body's trunk.
She wore a belt tightly around her abdomen.
Stomach
(informal) The belly.
Stomach
Pride, haughtiness.
Stomach
(obsolete) Appetite.
A good stomach for roast beef
Stomach
(figuratively) Desire, appetite (for something abstract).
I have no stomach for a fight today.
Stomach
The part of a garment that covers a person's stomach.
Stomach
(transitive) To tolerate (something), emotionally, physically, or mentally; to stand or handle something.
I really can’t stomach jobs involving that much paperwork, but some people seem to tolerate them.
I can't stomach her cooking.
Stomach
To be angry.
Stomach
To resent; to remember with anger; to dislike.
Stomach
To turn the stomach of; to sicken or repel.
Stomach
An enlargement, or series of enlargements, in the anterior part of the alimentary canal, in which food is digested; any cavity in which digestion takes place in an animal; a digestive cavity. See Digestion, and Gastric juice, under Gastric.
Stomach
The desire for food caused by hunger; appetite; as, a good stomach for roast beef.
Stomach
Hence appetite in general; inclination; desire.
He which hath no stomach to this fight,Let him depart.
Stomach
Violence of temper; anger; sullenness; resentment; willful obstinacy; stubbornness.
Stern was his look, and full of stomach vain.
This sort of crying proceeding from pride, obstinacy, and stomach, the will, where the fault lies, must be bent.
Stomach
Pride; haughtiness; arrogance.
He was a manOf an unbounded stomach.
Stomach
To resent; to remember with anger; to dislike.
The lion began to show his teeth, and to stomach the affront.
The Parliament sit in that body . . . to be his counselors and dictators, though he stomach it.
Stomach
To bear without repugnance; to brook.
Stomach
To be angry.
Stomach
An enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
Stomach
The region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis
Stomach
An inclination or liking for things involving conflict or difficulty or unpleasantness;
He had no stomach for a fight
Stomach
An appetite for food;
Exercise gave him a good stomach for dinner
Stomach
Bear to eat;
He cannot stomach raw fish
Stomach
Put up with something or somebody unpleasant;
I cannot bear his constant criticism
The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
He learned to tolerate the heat
She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage
Stomach
Muscular organ that expands to store food.
Overeating can cause the stomach to stretch uncomfortably.
Common Curiosities
Why is the abdomen sometimes referred to as the "belly"?
"Belly" is a colloquial term for the front part of the abdomen.
What protects the organs inside the abdomen?
The abdominal muscles, ribcage, and pelvic bone provide protection to the organs in the abdomen.
Can ailments of other organs in the abdomen affect the stomach?
Yes, conditions like gallstones can cause referred pain or discomfort in the stomach.
What organs are located in the abdomen?
The abdomen houses several organs like the liver, intestines, kidneys, and stomach, among others.
Is the stomach responsible for full digestion?
No, the stomach initiates digestion, but full digestion occurs in the intestines.
What produces the acid in the stomach?
The stomach lining produces gastric acid, which aids in digestion.
Is the skin covering the front of the torso considered part of the abdomen?
Yes, the external layer of the abdomen includes the skin, fat, and muscles.
Is the stomach the same as the abdomen?
No, the abdomen is a body region, while the stomach is an organ within the abdomen.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
