Canadian Medical Guide > Anatomy > Body Regions > Abdomen > Abdominal Cavity > Peritoneum Terms and Definitions

Peritoneum

Medical Definition:	The endothelial lining of the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. The parietal peritoneum covers the inside of the ABDOMINAL WALL and the visceral peritoneum covers the bowel, the MESENTERY, and certain of the organs. The portion that covers the bowel becomes the serosal layer of the bowel wall.
Guide Notes:	do not confuse with PERITONEAL CAVITY; "peritoneal cells" = probably PERITONEAL CAVITY /cytol or ASCITIC FLUID /pathol but not PERITONEUM /cytol; inflammation = PERITONITIS; PERITONEAL LAVAGE is available; note PERITONEAL FLUID see ASCITIC FLUID
Also Called:	Peritoneum, Parietal,Peritoneum, Visceral

Peritoneum Categories.

	Douglas' Pouch - A sac or recess formed by a fold of the peritoneum.
	Mesentery - A layer of the peritoneum which attaches the abdominal viscera to the ABDOMINAL WALL and conveys their blood vessels and nerves.
	Omentum - A double-layered fold of peritoneum that attaches the STOMACH to other organs in the ABDOMINAL CAVITY.
	Peritoneal Cavity - The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the STOMACH. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen.

Peritoneum Medical Definitions and Terms

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