Peritoneal Cavity

Question 1

Peritoneum

Answer 1

Thin
Transparent
Semi-permeable
Serous membrane 
Lines the walls of the abdomino-pelvic cavity and organs 
2 layers: parietal, visceral

Question 2

Peritoneal Cavity

Answer 2

Contains a small amount of lubricating fluid

Foreign bodies in the peritoneal cavity cause peritonitis

Question 3

Intraperitoneal organs description

Answer 3

Almost completely encased in peritoneum 
Minimally mobile (can't move much)

Question 4

Intraperitoneal organs examples

Answer 4

Stomach 
Spleen
Liver
Gall bladder
1st part of duodenum 
Jejunum
Ileum 
Transverse colon
Sigmoid colon

Question 5

Retroperitoneal organs description

Answer 5

Only contains visceral peritoneum on it’s anterior surface

Mobile

Question 6

Retroperitoneal organs examples

Answer 6

Kidney's
Pancreas
2nd, 3rd, 4th part of duodenum 
Ascending colon
Descending colon
Abdominal aorta
IVC

Question 7

Organs with a mesentery description

Answer 7

Very mobile
Covered in visceral peritoneum (intraperitoneal)
This visceral peritoneum wraps behind the organ and forms a double layer (mesentery)
Mesentery - suspends the organ from the posterior abdominal wall
Provide a means for neurovascular communication between organ and body wall

Question 8

Organs with a mesentery examples

Answer 8

Parts of SI - mesentery proper
Transverse mesocolon
Sigmoid mesocolon
Mesoappendix

Question 9

Ommentum (general)

Answer 9

Double layer of peritoneum that acts as an oaty apron
Passes from greater curvature of the stomach and then drapes over the intestines
Useful to wall off an infection and prevent it from spreading

Question 10

Greater ommentum

Answer 10

4 layered
Hangs like an apron
Attaches the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse colon

Question 11

Lesser ommentum

Answer 11

Double layered
Runs between the lesser curvature of the stomach and the liver
Has a free edge (this is where the portal triad is located)

Question 12

Ommental foramen (Foramen of Winslow)

Answer 12

How the greater sac and lesser sac communicate with each other

Question 13

Inferior aspects of perineum

Answer 13

Drape over the superficial aspects of pelvic organs
Form pouches

Male
- 1 pouch (rectovesical)

Female

• 2 pouches (rectouterine, vesicouterine)
• rectouterine pouch aka pouch of douglas*

Question 14

Hepatorenal recess

Answer 14

One of the lowest parts of the peritoneal cavity when the patient lies flat
Part of the greater sac