The Abdominal Cavity

Question 1

Describe what is meant by the median and transumbilical planes

Answer 1

Median plane - Vertical midline
Transumbilical - Horizontal midline
- abdomen divided into 4 quadrants using these planes

Question 2

What planes are used to divide the abdomen into 9 quadrants?

Answer 2

Median 
Transumbilical 
Midclavicular lines
Transpyloric 
Transtubercular

Question 3

What is the transpyloric plane?

Answer 3

Line running horizontally, midway between pubic symphysis and jugular notch

Question 4

What is the transtubercular plane?

Answer 4

Runs horizontally at the widest level of iliac crest

Question 5

Which organs are located in the abdominal cavity?

Answer 5

Stomach
Liver 
Spleen 
Large Intestine 
Small Intestine

Question 6

What is the peritoneum?

Answer 6

a thin, serous transparent membrane lining the abdominal organs and wall

Question 7

What are the 2 layers of peritoneum?

Answer 7

Parietal peritoneum (outerside)
Visceral peritoneum (touching organ)

Question 8

What separates the 2 peritoneum layers?

Answer 8

A film of peritoneal fluid

Question 9

What is the mesentery?

Answer 9

Double layer of peritoneum enclosing the small intestine, anchoring it to the abdominal wall
Enables transmission of blood vessels

Question 10

What us the transverse mesocolon?

Answer 10

Mesentery of the transverse colon

Question 11

What is the omentum?

Answer 11

Double layered sheet or fold of peritoneum connecting two abdominal organs

Question 12

Describe the structure of the greater omentum

Answer 12

Over greater curvature of stomach
Hangs down like an apron
Connects stomach to transverse colon

Question 13

Describe the functions of the greater omentum

Answer 13

Contains variable amounts of fat
Mobile
Forms adhesions to areas of inflammation and limits spread of infection

Question 14

Where is the lesser omentum located?

Answer 14

On the lesser curvature of the stomach

Question 15

Describe the structure and functions of the lesser omentum

Answer 15

Connects the stomach to the liver

Forms the Epiploic foramen / lesser sac

Question 16

What is meant by retroperitoneal?

Answer 16

Space located behind the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity

Question 17

What does intraperitoneal mean?

Answer 17

within or administered through the peritoneum

Question 18

Name the retroperiotneal organs

Answer 18

Remainder of duodenum
The cecum and ascending colon
Descending colon
Pancreas
Kidneys

Question 19

What are the intraperitoneal organs?

Answer 19

Stomach
Spleen
Liver
Bulb of duodenum
Jejunum + ileum
Transverse and sigmoid colon

Question 20

What is a peritoneal ligament?

Answer 20

Thickened double layer of peritoneum connecting an organ with another organ / the abdominal wall

Question 21

What are the 2 examples of peritoneal ligaments?

Answer 21

Falciform Ligaments

Coronary Ligaments

Question 22

What is the role of the falciform ligament?

Answer 22

Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall

Question 23

What is the role of the coronary ligament?

Answer 23

Connects liver to the underside of diaphragm

Question 24

What is the greater sac?

Answer 24

A potential space between the abdominal and visceral walls

Question 25

What is the lesser sac?

Answer 25

A small enclosed space behind the stomach

also known as omental bursa

Question 26

What is the epiploic foramen?

Answer 26

The hole (passageway) into lesser sac