Which quadrant describes the location of the small and large intestines, the appendix, and the right ureter?

• A. Left upper quadrant
• B. Right upper quadrant
• C. Right lower quadrant
• D. Left lower quadrant

Answer: (C)

In the four-quadrant view of the abdomen, the right lower quadrant contains the cecum, appendix, portions of the ileum and ascending colon, and the right ureter. The appendix is a hallmark structure of this quadrant, and the right ureter runs through it as it descends toward the bladder. While parts of the small and large intestines extend into other areas, the combination described—appendix and the relevant intestinal portions plus the right ureter—fits the right lower quadrant best. The other quadrants contain different organs, such as the liver and gallbladder in the right upper, stomach and spleen in the left upper, and the sigmoid colon in the left lower.