2.1 The Peritoneum Flashcards
What is the Peritoneum?
A Transparent Serous Membrane which covers the Body Wall and Organs
Is the Peritoneum one continuous layer?
Yes, but it is often described differently, depending on whether it lines the Body Wall or the Organ
What are the 2 Sub-Divisions of the Peritoneum?
- Parietal - On the Body Wall
2. Visceral - On the Organ
What can the Peritoneum form?
- Mesenteries / Omenta
- Avascular Ligaments
- Vascualr Ligaments
What is the definition of the term “Peritoneal Cavity”?
The potential space between the Parietal and Visceral layers of the Peritoneum
What are the 2 major Divisions of the Cavity, termed as Sacs?
- The Greater Omental Sac (Bursa)
2. The Lesser Omental Sac (Bursa)
Through which passage do the Greater and Lesser Omental Bursa communicate?
The Epiploic Foramen, also known as the Omental Foramen
Where is the Epiploic (Omental) Foramen located?
- Superior to the Superior Duodenum
- Inferior to the Posterior Liver
- Superior and Posterior to the Stomach
- Posterior to the Hepatoduodenal Ligament
What are the 2 ways to describe Organs, dependent on how they are Peritonised?
- Intraperitoneal
2. Retroperitoneal
If organs are Intraperitoneal, how are they Peritonised?
They are completely surrounded by Visceral Peritoneum
If organs are Retroperitoneal, how are the Peritonised?
Only their Anterior Surface is covered by Visceral Peritoneum, and they are therefore firmly attached to the posterior abdominal wall
What is a mnemonic for remembering the Retroperitoneal Organs?
SAD PUCKER
What are the Retroperitoneal Organs?
- Suprarenal Glands
- Aorta / Inferior Vena Cava
- Duodenum
- Pancreas
- Ureters / Bladder
- Colon (Ascending and Descending)
- Kidneys
- Eosophagus
- Rectum (Distal 2/3)
What are the Intraperitoneal Organs?
- Stomach
- Spleen
- Jejunum
- Ilium
- Caecum
- Appendix
- Transverse Colon
- Sigmoid Colon
Are there any organs in the Peritoneal Cavity?
No
What is contained within the Peritoneal Cavity?
Peritoneal Fluid, but there is not much as this is just a potential space
What does the term Extraperitoneal describe?
Structures in the Abdominopelvic Cavity which are not covered in Peritoneum
Can Retroperitoneal Structures be only partially Peritonised?
Yes, think of the Kidney having some Intraperitoneal structures and some Retroperitoneal structures resting on it
Which layer of the Peritoneum is more sensitive to Pressure, Pain, Heat and Cold?
Parietal, due to the Parietal Layer receiving the same Somatic Nerve Supply as the Abdominal Wall it lines.
What are the attachments of the Greater Omentum?
- The Greater Curvature of the Stomach
- The Transverse Colon
It then hangs down from these 2 points
What are the attachments of the Lesser Omentum?
- The Liver
- The Lesser Curvature of the Stomach
It then hangs down from these 2 points
What is the Greater Omentum referred to as by surgeons? And why?
The Abdominal Policeman, as it moves about the Abdominal Cavity in response to Peristaltic movements, and in infection (e.g. appendicitis) inflammatory exudate causes the Peritoneum to wrap itself round the infected organ - localizing the infection to a small area of the Cavity
What Nerves will Pain from the Parietal Peritoneum lining the Abdominal Wall be sent along?
T7-L1, and thus pain can be localized - it is sensitive to stretching and this is used in a clinical diagnosis
What is the Visceral Peritoneum innervated by?
Autonomic Nerves - so pain is often referred, dull, and poorly localized.
