Peritoneum Flashcards
What is a mesentery
A double fold of the parietal peritoneum
What is the parietal peritoneum sensitive to
Pain, touch, temperature and pressure
What innervates the parietal peritoneum
- Lining lateral and anterior walls = lower 6 thoracic nerves
- Central part diaphragm = phrenic nerve
- Pelvic = obturator nerve
What is the visceral peritoneum sensitive to
Stretch via ANS afferent fibres
Describe an intra-peritoneal structure
One that has mesentery; it is surrounded by peritoneum except at the one point of attachment
Describe an extra-peritoneal structure
One that has no mesentery; partially covered in peritoneum as it is stuck to the abdominal wall (behind the peritoneal lining)
Describe primary and secondary extra-peritoneum
Primary = never had a mesentery and always been stuck to the abdominal wall Secondary = developed free from the abdominal wall and then fused post development
Describe an infra-peritoneal structure
One that is located inside the pelvic cavity, below the peritoneal lining
What is the greater sac
Cavity in the abdomen that is inside the peritoneum, but outside the lesser sac
What is the greater omentum
A large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum
Where does the greater omentum hang from and reach to, in the abdomen
It extends from the greater curvature of the stomach, passing in front of the small intestines and doubles back to ascend to the transverse colon, where it reaches the posterior abdominal wall
Why is the greater omentum described as the ‘policeman’ of the abdomen
It is found in areas where there are problems; it tries to localise any infections by semi closing off the area to the rest of the abdominal cavity
How many layers make up the greater omentum
4
What attaches the transverse colon to the abdominal wall
The transverse mesocolon
What does the transverse colon divide the peritoneal cavity into
- Supra-colic compartment (liver, gall bladder, stomach)
2. Infra-colic compartment (intestines)
What blood vessels does the GO carry; and where do they originate from
- Right gastro-omental vessels (from the hepatic artery)
2. Left gastro-omental vessels (splenic artery)
What do the vessels in the GO supply
The GO itself, and the curvature of the stomach
What is the lesser sac
The portion of the peritoneal cavity located behind the lesser omentum and stomach
What is the space between the greater and lesser sacs called
The epiploic (omental) foramen
Where does the lesser omentum (LO) hang from and reach to, in the abdomen
It extends from the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum
How many layers make up the LO
2
What are the boundaries of the epiploic foramen
Anterior = LO Posterior = IVC Superior = liver
What is the function of the mesentery ‘proper’
It carries the vessels, nerves and lymphatics to/from most of the small intestine (jejenum and ileum)
What artery connects the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
The marginal artery of the colon
What does the peritoneal fluid provide
A moist and smooth environment for motile activities to take place; it reduces friction and damage