Introduction to the alimentary system and anatomy overview Flashcards
What is the peritoneum?
The serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominopelvic cavity.
What is the meaning of a potential space?
A space which has the potential to be filled
What fluid is found in the peritoneal cavity and roughly how much is normal to have? (no value needed)
Peritoneal fluid
A little
Note 2 differences between the peritoneum and the pericardium/pleura
Different locations
Deals with more than a single structure
What are the 4 boundaries of the peritoneum?
diaphragm, anterior abdominal muscles, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic floor muscle
What is the main constituent lining the abdominopelvic cavity?
muscle, little bone
Name some situations in which the pressure in the abdominopelvic cavity can increase
lifting, straining, stabilise the core, urination and defecation and child birth
What muscles will have relations with the posterior organs?
posterior wall muscles
What is the linea alba?
A white line running from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis running down the midline which is a connection of the muscles from the left and right side of the body meeting
What is a situation in which the linea alba can change colour and what is this colour change?
Can turn brown during pregnancy
What does the rectus sheath allow?
Muscles to move independently in opposite directions
What does the peritoneum allow communication with?
The posterior wall (The arteries, nerves etc)
Peritoneum away from the posterior wall must have a fold. What is the name for this?
Mesentery (need a mesentery to communicate with posterior wall)
What is a fold between 2 organs called?
omentum - greater and lesser linked to the stomach
Name some cells which can travel through the peritoneum?
Single cells eg lymphocytes, antibodies, bacteria and viruses
What do the mesentery allow to get in specifically?
Arterial branches
What is the peritoneal cavity and give some situations in which it may be different.
Space between organs - none in reality
Space in dead cadavers due to organs shrinking up
Space when fluid eg peritonitis and bleeding
What organs is the lesser omentum between?
Liver and stomach
What organs is the greater omentum between?
Stomach and transverse colon
Describe briefly the difference between ,ales and females on acquiring an infection eg peritonitis
Females can acquire bacteria from reproductive tract whereas males require damage eg burst ulcer
Name the 2 flexures of the transverse colon
Hepatic and splenic
Name the 3 parts of the colon. Which is in a mesentery and hence mobile?
Ascending, transverse and descending
transverse
What is the small intestine held in by? What travels in these folds?
Folded peritoneum
Arteries and veins
What do the arteries and veins travelling in the mesentery allow?
Good blood supply and quick absorption
Name the 2 parts of the peritoneal cavity
Greater and lesser sacs
What is the lesser sac also known as?
Omental bursa
What links the greater and lesser sacs?
Epiploic foramen
Why is some of the peritoneal cavity behind the stomach? (lesser sac)
In utero the gut tube and stomach rotate and twist bringing some of the cavity behind the stomach
