Peritoneal Relations Flashcards
What is the Peritoneum?
The innermost serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and encloses the viscera
What are the two layers of the peritoneum?
Parietal - lines the internal surface of the abdominal wall
Visceral - encloses the organs
What is the peritoneal cavity?
A potential space between the parietal and visceral layers of peritoneum
Opening of the uterine tubes in females creates a communication with the outside
Completely closed in males
What is the greater sac?
The main and larger part of the peritoneal cavity; begins at diaphragm and continues inferiorly to pelvic cavity
This is what is entered when the parietal peritoneum is penetrated
What is the lesser sac (Omental bursa)?
Lies posterior to stomach and adjoining structures; communicates with greater sac through the epiploic foramen
Has superior and inferior recesses
What is the difference between primarily and secondarily retroperitoneal organs?
Primary - develop and remain between peritoneum and body wall
Secondary - develop within peritoneum but later fuse to body wall
What is the mesentery?
Double layer of peritoneum that suspends viscera from the posterior and part of the anterior body wall
Allow neurovascular communication between the organ and body wall
What is the dorsal mesentary?
Attaches viscera to posterior abdominal wall
Greater omentum
Mesocolons: Mesoappendix, transverse mesocolon, sigmoid mesocolon
What is the ventral mesentary?
Attaches viscera to anterior abdominal wall, develops in association with liver growth
Lesser omentum Falciform ligament, Coronary ligament, Left and Right triangular ligament
What are gutters?
Channels created by fusion of the GI tract to the posterior abdominal wall
Paracolic gutters provide pathways for the flow of ascitic fluid and the spread of intraperitoneal infections
What is the subphrenic recess?
Space in the greater sac between the diaphragm and liver on either side of the falciform ligament
What is the hepatorenal recess?
Part of the greater sac between the liver and right kidney (anteriorly) and diaphragm (posteriorly)
What is a peritoneal ligament?
Double layer of peritoneum that connects an organ with another organ or to the abdominal wall
What is the lesser omentum?
Connects lesser curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum to the liver
What is the greater omentum?
Hangs down like an apron from the greater curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum
Descends and then folds back to attach to the anterior part of the transverse colon
