RUQ (Right Upper Quadrant): Abdominal Anatomy and Clinical Relevance

RUQ denotes the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, demarcated by the midline and the transpyloric plane. It houses:

• Liver (majority)
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas (head)
• Duodenum
• Hepatic flexure of colon
• Right kidney (upper pole)
• Right adrenal gland

RUQ pain is a key symptom in cholecystitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and renal pathology. Physical exam and imaging (ultrasound, CT) localize pathology.