Panniculus is a medical term describing a dense layer of fatty tissue growth, usually in the abdominal cavity. It generally coincides with morbid obesity and can be mistaken for a tumor or hernia. Abdominal panniculus (the "apron" in lay term) can be removed during Abdominal Panniculectomy.

Grading of abdominal panniculus

Grade 1: Panniculus barely covers the hairline and mons pubis but not the genitalia.
Grade 2: Extends to cover the private part in the line with the upper thigh crease.
Grade 3: Extends to cover the upper thigh
Grade 4: Extends to cover the mid thigh.
Grade 5: Extends to cover the knees or beyond.

References

Panniculectomy: Time to Remove the Excess Abdominal Fat

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