Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity

Question 1

mucous plug

Answer 1

blocks the external os of the uterus to most pathogens, but not to sperm

Question 2

how can patency of uterine tubes be tested?

Answer 2

technique in which air or radiopaque dye is injected into uterine cavity, from which it normally flows through the uterine tubes into the peritoneal cavity

Question 3

laparotomy

Answer 3

large, invasive, open incisions of the peritoneum

Question 4

peritonitis

Answer 4

infection and inflammation of the peritoneum

Question 5

what does it mean when peritonitis has become generalized?

Answer 5

widespread in the peritoneal cavity

Question 6

ascitic fluid

Answer 6

excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Question 7

what are some causes of ascites?

Answer 7

• general peritonitis
• mechanical injury
• pathological conditions like portal hypertension, metastasis of cancer cells to abdominal viscera, starvation

Question 8

when does general peritonitis occur?

Answer 8

when an ulcer perforates the wall of the stomach or duodenum, spilling acid content into the peritoneal cavity

Question 9

paradoxical abdominothoracic rhythm

Answer 9

when abdomen is drawn in when chest expands - may indicate peritonitis or pneumonitis

Question 10

what happens when peritoneum is damaged or infected?

Answer 10

peritoneal surfaces become inflamed, making them sticky with fibrin that may be replaced with fibrous tissue during healing -> abnormal attachments

Question 11

what do adhesions limit?

Answer 11

normal movements of the viscera

Question 12

volvulus

Answer 12

when the intestine becomes twisted around an adhesion

Question 13

adhesiotomy

Answer 13

surgical separation of adhesions

Question 14

paracentesis

Answer 14

surgical puncture of the peritoneal cavity for the aspiration or drainage of fluid

Question 15

where is needle inserted for paracentesis?

Answer 15

anterolateral abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity through the linea alba - inserted superior to the empty urinary bladder to avoid inferior epigastric artery

Question 16

what makes intraperitoneal (IP) injection useful?

Answer 16

injections into the peritoneal cavity are absorbed rapidly by peritoneum

Question 17

what happens in renal failure?

Answer 17

waste products such as urea accumulate in the blood and tissues, ultimately to fatal levels

Question 18

peritoneal dialysis

Answer 18

soluble substances and excess water are removed from the system by transfer across the peritoneum, using a dilute sterile solution that is introduced into the peritoneal cavity on one side and then drained from the other - temporary

Question 19

functions of the greater omentum

Answer 19

• forms adhesions adjacent to an inflamed organ, protecting other viscera from it
• cushions abdominal organs against injury
• forms insulation against loss of body heat

Question 20

abscess

Answer 20

circumscribed collection of purulent exudate

Question 21

what are some causes of subphrenic abscesses?

Answer 21

• perforation of a duodenal ulcer
• rupture of gall bladder
• perforation of the appendix

Question 22

why are peritoneal recesses clinically important?

Answer 22

determine the extent and direction of the spread of pathological fluids that may enter the peritoneal cavity when an organ is diseased or injured

Question 23

clinical importance of paracolic gutters

Answer 23

provide pathways for the flow of ascitic fluid, spread of intraperitoneal infections, and spread of cancer cells

Question 24

how can you get fluid in the omental bursa?

Answer 24

perforation of the posterior wall of the stomach

Question 25

pancreatic pseudo-cyst

Answer 25

accumulation of pancreatic fluid in the omental bursa due to an inflamed or injured pancreas

Question 26

how does intestine get into the omental bursa?

Answer 26

through the omental foramen - then strangulated by edges of foramen

Question 27

cholecystectomy

Answer 27

removal of gall bladder

Question 28

What artery must be ligated and severed during cholecystectomy?

Answer 28

cystic artery

Question 29

how is accidental severance of cystic artery controlled?

Answer 29

compression of hepatic artery as it traverses the hepatoduodenal ligament