Welcome to this introduction course on the anatomy of the internal organs of the abdomen and the pelvis. The upcoming six weeks, we will study various aspects of the abdomen. We will start with the position of the organs within the abdomen, as this is essential to interpret X-rays and CT images. You will apply this knowledge, browsing through the body in three dimensions in our cross-sectional viewer. Also this will provide you the basis for interpreting abdominal symptoms. You will learn that your intestines are not left-right symmetrically arranged. Furthermore, you will learn some basics of blood vessels, nerves and embryology. Which are necessary for the upcoming weeks. The second week is an introduction on the various functions of the abdominal organs. We will pay attention to the various parts of the gut which are specialized in digesting the foods. You will see these intestines in realities but many of these functions cannot be seen with the naked eye but only through a microscope. With digital microscopy, you will discover a new world inside your body. To digest the foods, the gut needs suppliers. Essential organs like liver and the pancreas. Of course you will also learn about the blood vessels which are essential in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the gut itself. Together with the lymphatic system, they transport the absorbed food from the gut to the liver for further processing. During the third week, you will learn how the gut and its suppliers develop from a structure into a typical adult orientation with the help of a unique 3D embryology animation Understanding the peritoneum is understanding the anatomy of the abdomen. The abdominal organs are suspended by the peritoneum. It determines which structures you see and which structures you cannot see when you open the abdomen. Which structures are mobile, and which are fixed. It determines the role surgeons take in the abdomen. And this week, you will learn how the development in the embryo determines the abdominal anatomy lifelong. And hopefully you will enjoy all these twists and turns. In week five it is time to return briefly to the outside, the body wall. We will discuss the composition and the various functions of the abdominal wall and the pelvic floor. Weak areas in these layers are a frequent cause of problems. After that we will dive into the pelvic cavity, which is rectum, bladder, and the genital organs. You will learn your anatomy with a brand new interactive 3D model of the pelvis. And with this knowledge you will be able to interpret and understand recordings of the pelvic organs in a clinical setting. And finally, you will be able to apply all your newly acquired anatomical knowledge in our sixth module, entitled Pain. Pain is an important signal to indicate that something is wrong or damaged within our body. To interpret pain correctly an anatomical knowledge is essential. And you will learn the general background and anatomical basis of pain. And apply this knowledge in a couple of clinical cases to distinguish between the mouth, rate, and C cases, and the alarming ones which needs immediate attention. Well, enough talk. Let's get busy and start with the course. I wish you a pleasant and interesting journey, and hope you will enjoy exploring these interesting parts of the body, the abdomen and the pelvis.