Block 2: Posterior Abdominal Region Flashcards
What is the peritoneum?
mesentery that suspends the viscera
Parietal vs Visceral Peritoneum
Parietal: lines the abdominal wall
Visceral: lines the organs of the GI tract
What structures are peritoneal?
Liver Stomach Spleen Small intestines except duodenum (1st part) Transverse & Sigmoid Colon
Describe fluidity of peritoneal vs retroperitoneal structures
peritoneal: some fluid in the cavity, organs can move around
retroperitoneal: structures are embedded and don’t move
Retroperitoneal Structures
SADPUCKER
suprarenal (adrenal) gland aorta/IVC duodenum pancreas ureters colon kidneys esophagus
When opening the abdominal cavity, how can you differentiate b/w visceral and parietal peritoneum?
visceral: shiny, glistening capsule on the surface of the organs
parietal: you can pull it off the abdominal wall
First major branch of the aorta
celiac trunk
Second major branch of the aorta
Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA)
What is the clinical significance of the angle of the SMA?
the “takeoff” is oblique
this makes it easy for emboli to happen at this juncture
What is a frequent site of aneurysm? (AAA)
infra-aortic artery
What are the minor lateral branches of the aorta?
diaphragmatic adrenal gonadal lumbar ureteral
Note the relationship b/w the IVC and the spine
the IVC is laterally to the right of the spine
What’s the significance of the IVC being laterally to the right of the spine?
important for central line placement
easier to do on the right side b/c the vein is straighter than the artery
location relationship b/w left renal vein and aorta
left renal vein crosses over the aorta
Left gonadal vein drainage
into the left renal vein
right gonadal vein drainage
into the IVC
landmark for the SMA
just above the L renal is the takeoff for the SMA
left adrenal vein drainage
into the left renal vein