Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity Flashcards
mucous plug
blocks the external os of the uterus to most pathogens, but not to sperm
how can patency of uterine tubes be tested?
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
laparotomy
large, invasive, open incisions of the peritoneum
peritonitis
infection and inflammation of the peritoneum
what does it mean when peritonitis has become generalized?
widespread in the peritoneal cavity
ascitic fluid
excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity
what are some causes of ascites?
- general peritonitis
- mechanical injury
- pathological conditions like portal hypertension, metastasis of cancer cells to abdominal viscera, starvation
when does general peritonitis occur?
when an ulcer perforates the wall of the stomach or duodenum, spilling acid content into the peritoneal cavity
paradoxical abdominothoracic rhythm
when abdomen is drawn in when chest expands - may indicate peritonitis or pneumonitis
what happens when peritoneum is damaged or infected?
peritoneal surfaces become inflamed, making them sticky with fibrin that may be replaced with fibrous tissue during healing -> abnormal attachments
what do adhesions limit?
normal movements of the viscera
volvulus
when the intestine becomes twisted around an adhesion
adhesiotomy
surgical separation of adhesions
paracentesis
surgical puncture of the peritoneal cavity for the aspiration or drainage of fluid
where is needle inserted for paracentesis?
anterolateral abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity through the linea alba - inserted superior to the empty urinary bladder to avoid inferior epigastric artery
what makes intraperitoneal (IP) injection useful?
injections into the peritoneal cavity are absorbed rapidly by peritoneum
what happens in renal failure?
waste products such as urea accumulate in the blood and tissues, ultimately to fatal levels
peritoneal dialysis
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
functions of the greater omentum
- forms adhesions adjacent to an inflamed organ, protecting other viscera from it
- cushions abdominal organs against injury
- forms insulation against loss of body heat
abscess
circumscribed collection of purulent exudate
what are some causes of subphrenic abscesses?
- perforation of a duodenal ulcer
- rupture of gall bladder
- perforation of the appendix
why are peritoneal recesses clinically important?
determine the extent and direction of the spread of pathological fluids that may enter the peritoneal cavity when an organ is diseased or injured
clinical importance of paracolic gutters
provide pathways for the flow of ascitic fluid, spread of intraperitoneal infections, and spread of cancer cells
how can you get fluid in the omental bursa?
perforation of the posterior wall of the stomach
pancreatic pseudo-cyst
accumulation of pancreatic fluid in the omental bursa due to an inflamed or injured pancreas
how does intestine get into the omental bursa?
through the omental foramen - then strangulated by edges of foramen
cholecystectomy
removal of gall bladder
What artery must be ligated and severed during cholecystectomy?
cystic artery
how is accidental severance of cystic artery controlled?
compression of hepatic artery as it traverses the hepatoduodenal ligament
