What does hypochondrium mean?
The hypochondrium is either of the two regions of the upper abdomen lying beneath the lower ribs, one on each side of the body’s midline. The right hypochondrium contains or overlies much of the liver, while the left includes the stomach, spleen, and part of the pancreas. Clinicians use the term when identifying the location of pain, swelling, tenderness, or other physical findings, commonly saying “right hypochondrium” or “left hypochondrium.” The word is anatomical and does not itself refer to an organ. It comes from a Greek compound meaning “under the cartilage,” reflecting the position beneath the costal cartilages. Although unfamiliar outside medical contexts, it provides a precise way to describe the upper sides of the abdomen and is useful in clinical notes, diagnosis, and descriptions of physical examinations.
nounEither of the two regions of the upper abdomen situated beneath the lower ribs, one on each side of the midline. The right region overlies organs including the liver, while the left includes the stomach, spleen, and part of the pancreas.
- Either of the two anatomical regions of the upper abdomen beneath the lower ribs, on the right or left side of the body.
"The physician gently palpated the right hypochondrium to check for tenderness."
"Tenderness was detected in the right hypochondrium during the examination."
"The ultrasound revealed an abnormal mass in the left hypochondrium."
The standard anatomical plural; the two hypochondria are the right and left upper abdominal regions.
"Tenderness was noted in both hypochondria."
The name means “under the cartilage,” a clue to the anatomy tucked beneath the lower ribs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypochondrium come from?
The word was borrowed into Latin from Greek hypokhondrion, a compound of hypo, meaning “under,” and khondros, meaning “cartilage.” The expression originally described the area beneath the cartilage of the lower ribs. Its anatomical sense continued in Latin and later passed into English, where the singular form refers to one side of this region and the plural hypochondria refers to both.
Related word forms
How hypochondrium is actually used
This is primarily a formal anatomical term. It identifies a body region rather than a particular organ and is normally specified as left or right; “upper abdomen” is the plainer general expression.
Easily confused with hypochondrium
Hypochondria is the anatomical plural of hypochondrium, but the term can also denote a condition of persistent health anxiety; a hypochondrium is the physical region itself.
A hypochondriac is a person regarded as excessively concerned about health, whereas a hypochondrium is an anatomical region of the upper abdomen.
The epigastrium is the central upper region above the navel between the two hypochondria, not either lateral region beneath the lower ribs.