Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity

Peritoneum Is a serous membrane lined by mesothelial cells. Consists of the parietal peritoneum and the visceral peritoneum. Parietal peritoneum Lines the abdominal and pelvic walls and the inferior surface of the diaphragm. Is innervated by the somatic nerves such as the phrenic, lower intercostal, subcostal, iliohypogastric, and ilioinguinal nerves. Visceral peritoneum Covers the viscera, is innervated by visceral nerves, and is insensitive to pain. Peritoneal Reflections Support the viscera and provide pathways for associated neurovascular structures. Omentum Is a fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach to adjacent abdominal organs. Lesser omentum Is a double layer of peritoneum extending from the porta hepatis of the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the beginning of the duodenum. Consists of the hepatogastric and hepatoduodenal ligaments and forms the anterior wall of the lesser sac the peritoneal cavity. Acts as a route for the left and right gastric vessels, which run between its two layers along the lesser curvature. Has a right free margin that contains the proper hepatic artery, bile duct , and portal vein. Greater omentum Is derived from the embryonic dorsal mesentery. Hangs down like an apron from the greater curvature of the stomach, covering the transverse colon and other abdominal viscera. Transmits the right and left gastroepiploic vessels along the greater curvature. Adheres to areas of inflammation and wraps itself around the inflamed organs, thus preventing serious diffuse peritonitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, characterized by an accumulation of peritoneal fluid that contains fibrin and leukocytes (pus). Consists of the gastrolienal, lienorenal, gastrophrenic, and gastrocolic ligaments. Gastrolienal (gastrosplenic) ligament Extends from the left portion of the greater curvature of the stomach to the hilus of the spleen. Contains the short gastric vessels and the left gastroepiploic vessels. Lienorenal (splenorenal) ligament Runs from the hilus of the spleen to the left kidney. Contains the splenic vessels and the tail of the pancreas. Gastrophrenic ligament Runs from the upper part of the greater curvature of the stomach to the diaphragm. Gastrocolic ligament Runs from the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse colon ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage