Anatomy of the upper abdomen: computarized tomography.

The possibilities of computed axial tomography in displaying normal anatomy are shown. The fact scanners are able to show important anatomical details including vascular anatomy. The upper abdomen is shown in consecutive slices to demonstrate the most important anatomical landmarks. The possibility of reconstructed coronal and sagittal planes from the axial slices offers good correlation with classical topographical anatomy. Axial anatomy from cadaver and computed tomography should be included in our teaching to medical students as part of the background needed for their future clinical practice.