Peritoneum Anatomy and Functions Quiz

Peritoneum Structure

• The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
• It consists of two connective tissue layers: parietal peritoneum (lines the internal walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities) and visceral peritoneum (covers the external surface of digestive organs).

Peritoneal Cavity

• The peritoneal cavity is a potential space between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum.
• In males, it is a closed cavity, but in females, it communicates with the exterior through the uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Organs and Peritoneum

• Intraperitoneal organs are almost totally covered with visceral peritoneum and are suspended in the peritoneal cavity.
• Examples of intraperitoneal organs include the stomach, jejunum, ileum, and spleen.
• Retroperitoneal organs lie behind the peritoneum and are only partially covered with visceral peritoneum.
• Examples of retroperitoneal organs include the pancreas and the ascending and descending parts of the colon.

Peritoneal Ligaments

• Peritoneal ligaments are two-layered folds of peritoneum that connect solid viscera to the abdominal walls.
• Examples of peritoneal ligaments include the falciform ligament, coronary ligament, right and left triangular ligaments, and the lesser omentum.

Peritoneal Sac

• The peritoneal sac is divided into two parts: the greater sac and the lesser sac.
• The greater sac is the main compartment and extends from the diaphragm down into the pelvis.
• The lesser sac is smaller and lies behind the stomach.
• The two sacs are in free communication with each other through the oval window called the epiploic foramen.

Other Relations

• The mesentery is a fold of peritoneum that suspends the small intestine in the peritoneal cavity.
• The omentum is a peritoneal fold that connects the stomach to the transverse colon.
• The liver is connected to the diaphragm by the falciform ligament and the coronary ligament.