Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity

Question 1

Identify one difference between the peritoneal cavities of the female and male.

Answer 1

The peritoneal cavity is completely closed in the male, whereas, in the female, it communicates with the uterine tubes and hence indirectly with the exterior of the body.

Question 2

Identify the anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior boundaries of the omental foramen.

Answer 2

anterior: hepatoduodenal ligament (free border of the lesser omentum)
posterior: the peritoneum that covers the inferior vena cava
superior: the caudate lobe of the liver
inferior: the first part of the duodenum

Question 3

Identify the uncinate process of the pancreas.

Answer 3

uncinate = hooked
The uncinate process is the formed prolongation of the angle of junction of the lower and left lateral borders in the head of the pancreas.

Question 4

List three structures found in the free edge of the lesser omentum.

Answer 4

common bile duct
hepatic artery
portal vein

Question 5

Identify that portion of the duodenum into which the bile duct empties.

Answer 5

2nd part

Question 6

Name the 4 peritoneal gutters.

Answer 6

right and left paramesenteric gutters

right and left lateral paracolic gutters

Question 7

Describe the locations of the right and left paramesenteric gutters.

Answer 7

Right paramesenteric gutter - this space is defined by:
The ascending colon and caecum laterally (further right).
The transverse colon superiorly.
The root of the mesentery medially.

Left paramesenteric gutter - this space communicates with the pelvic cavity and is defined by:
The root of the mesentery medially.
The descending colon laterally (further left).

Question 8

Describe the locations of the right and left lateral paracolic gutters.

Answer 8

The right and left paracolic gutters are peritoneal recesses on the posterior abdominal wall lying alongside the ascending and descending colon.