In penetrating abdominal trauma, the FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) examination is used to detect free intraperitoneal fluid. The hepatorenal fossa (Morrison's pouch) on FAST corresponds anatomically to the space between:
- A Spleen and left kidney
- B Bladder and rectum in males
- C Right lobe of liver and right kidney ✓
- D Liver and diaphragm anteriorly
Correct answer: C. Right lobe of liver and right kidney
Explanation
Morrison's pouch (the hepatorenal recess) is the potential space between the right lobe of the liver and the right kidney, and is the most dependent part of the upper right abdomen in the supine position. It is the most sensitive site on FAST for detecting free intraperitoneal blood, as fluid gravitates here first. The splenorenal recess is between the spleen and left kidney; the pouch of Douglas (rectovesical or rectouterine) is the pelvic view; the left upper quadrant view includes the subphrenic space.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.