Peritoneum And Peritoneal Cavity Flashcards
What is the peritoneum?
The peritoneum is a thin, continuous and serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities and cover the organs within these cavities.
Structure of the peritoneum
The peritoneum consists of two layers that are continuous with each other:
- the parietal peritoneum
- the visceral peritoneum.
What types of cells make up the two layers of peritoneum?
Both types are made up of simple squamous epithelial cells called mesothelium.
Which organs are present in the peritoneal cavity?
None
Why is the peritoneal cavity referred to as a potential space?
While the peritoneal cavity is ordinarily filled with only a thin film of fluid, it is referred to as a potential space because excess fluid can accumulate in it
What is contained in the peritoneal cavity?
Peritoneal fluid
The peritoneal fluid consists of…
Water, electrolytes, leukocytes and antibodies that resist infection
Peritoneal fluid function
It lubricates the peritoneal surfaces, enabling the viscera to move over each other without friction and allowing the movements of digestion. Antibodies in the fluid fight infection
One danger of the peritoneal cavity
It constitutes a potential pathway of infection from the exterior in females
What is the special feature of the peritoneal cavity in males?
The cavity is a closed sac in males (cul-de-sac)
Peritoneal cavity in female
In the female, there is a communication with the exterior through the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina
The peritoneal cavity is divided into
The greater and lesser sac
The greater and lesser sacs communicate with each other through
epiploic foramen.
Parietal peritoneum lines…
…the inner surface of the abdomen, pelvic walls and lower surface of diaphragm.
The peritoneal fluid contains…
… leukocytes and antibodies that resist infection
The peritoneal fluid is absorbed by
lymphatic vessels on the inferior surface of the diaphragm
The parietal peritoneum is loosely attached. True or false?
True
Attachment of the parietal peritoneum
It is loosely attached to the walls by extraperitoneal connective tissue.
The parietal peritoneum is derived from
somatopleural layer of mesoderm.
The parietal peritoneum is pain sensitive. True or false?
True
Nerve supply of the parietal peritoneum
Same as those of overlying body wall.
The visceral peritoneum is derived from…
…the splanchnopleuric layer of lateral mesoderm.
The visceral peritoneum lines…
…the outer surface of viscera.
The visceral peritoneum can be stripped. True or false?
False
Nerve supply of the visceral peritoneum
That of underlying viscera.
Fibroblasts in the peritoneum come from…
the mesothelial cells of peritoneum; the fibroblasts promote healing power.