28 Questions
What is the peritoneum?
A covering of organs in the abdominal cavity
How is the peritoneum divided?
All of the above
What is the function of the peritoneal fluid?
To allow the peritoneal layers to slide against each other with little friction
Which layer of the peritoneum lines the inner surface of the abdominal and pelvic walls?
The parietal peritoneum
What is the function of the lesser sac (omental bursa)?
To provide space for the expansion of the stomach
Which layer of the peritoneum is derived from the somatopleuric layer of the lateral plate mesoderm?
The parietal peritoneum
What is the function of the greater sac?
To extend from the diaphragm to the pelvic cavity
Which layer of the peritoneum lines the outer surface of the viscera?
The visceral peritoneum
What is the function of the superior recess of the lesser sac?
To separate the thoracic and abdominal cavities
Which of the following is NOT a part of the supracolic compartment?
Intestine
What is the epiploic foramen?
The communication between the lesser and greater sacs
Which of the following structures forms the inferior border of the epiploic foramen?
Superior part of the duodenum
What is the mesentery?
The peritoneal fold that suspends organs from the posterior abdominal wall
Which of the following is NOT a type of mesentery mentioned in the text?
Gastrosplenic ligament
What is the greater omentum?
Two layers of peritoneum that extend from the stomach and duodenum to neighboring organs
Which of the following statements about the omenta is TRUE?
The omenta are two layers of peritoneum that have fused
Which of the following structures is NOT a border of the epiploic foramen?
Transverse mesocolon
What is the function of the mesentery?
To suspend organs from the posterior abdominal wall
What is the primary function of the peritoneal ligaments?
To attach organs to the abdominal wall and/or to other abdominal organs and hold them in position
Which of the following is NOT a ligament associated with the spleen?
Hepatoduodenal ligament
Where does the greater omentum extend to from the greater curvature of the stomach?
To the duodenum, then down to the transverse colon
What is the relationship between the lesser omentum and the greater omentum?
The lesser omentum is superior to the greater omentum
Which of the following organs is NOT considered an intraperitoneal organ?
Kidney
What is the definition of ascites?
Accumulation of more than 20 milliliters of fluid within the peritoneal cavity
Which ligament attaches the stomach to the liver?
Gastrohepatic ligament
What is the primary function of the neurovascular structures carried by the peritoneal ligaments?
To supply blood and innervation to the abdominal organs
Which of the following organs is NOT considered a retroperitoneal organ?
Spleen
Where does the lesser omentum extend superiorly to from the lesser curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum?
To the liver
Study Notes
Peritoneal Cavity and Mesentery
- The supracolic compartment is located anterior and superior to the transverse mesocolon, containing the liver, stomach, and spleen.
- The infracolic compartment is posterior and inferior to the transverse mesocolon.
Epiploic Foramen ( Lesser Omental Foramen )
- The lesser sac communicates with the greater sac via the epiploic foramen.
- Borders of the epiploic foramen:
- Anterior: Hepatoduodenal ligament
- Posterior: Inferior vena cava and the right crus of the diaphragm
- Superior: Caudate lobe of the liver
- Inferior: Superior part of the duodenum
Mesentery
- The mesentery is a fold of peritoneum that suspends organs from the posterior abdominal wall.
- Examples of mesenteries:
- Mesentery (small intestine)
- Transverse mesocolon (large intestine)
- Sigmoid mesocolon (sigmoid colon)
- Mesoappendix (appendix)
Omentum
- Omenta are two layers of peritoneum that have fused, extending from the stomach and duodenum to neighboring organs.
- Greater omentum hangs like a curtain, covering the anterior surface of the small intestine.
Peritoneum
- Peritoneum is a covering of organs, a large serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
- Divided into:
- Parietal peritoneum (outer layer, lines the inner surface of the abdominal and pelvic walls and the lower surface of the diaphragm)
- Visceral peritoneum (inner layer, lines the outer surface of the viscera)
Peritoneal Cavity
- The cavity between the parietal and visceral layers, filled with a small amount of serous peritoneal fluid.
- Peritoneal fluid enables the peritoneal layers to slide against each other with little friction.
Divisions of the Peritoneal Cavity
- Lesser sac (omental bursa): behind the stomach and liver, in front of the pancreas and duodenum.
- Greater sac: extends from the diaphragm to the pelvic cavity, divided into supracolic and infracolic compartments by the transverse mesocolon.
Peritoneal Ligaments
- Function:
- Attach organs to the abdominal wall and/or to other abdominal organs and hold them in position.
- Carry neurovascular structures that supply abdominal organs.
- Examples of peritoneal ligaments:
- Splenic ligaments (Phrenicocolic ligament, Gastrosplenic ligament, Splenorenal ligament)
- Gastric ligaments (Gastrophrenic ligament, Gastrocolic ligament)
- Hepatic ligaments (Falciform ligament, Gastrohepatic ligament, Hepatoduodenal ligament)
Peritoneal Relations
- Intraperitoneal organs are completely wrapped by visceral peritoneum (e.g., spleen, stomach, superior part of the duodenum, transverse colon).
- Retroperitoneal organs are found posterior to the peritoneum in the retroperitoneal space, with only their anterior wall covered by the parietal peritoneum (e.g., kidney, glands, ureter).
Ascites
- Definition: accumulation of more than 20 milliliters of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.
Learn about the anatomy of the peritoneum, a large serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering organs. Explore the structure, functions, and divisions including the parietal and visceral layers.
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