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Peritoneum

In higher vertebrates, the peritoneum is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity - it covers most of the intra-abdominal organs. (The corresponding serous membranes in the pleural and pericardial cavities of the thorax are called the pleura and the pericardium respectively.) The peritoneum both supports the abdominal organs and serves as a conduit for their blood and lymph vessels and nerves. WWW.PERITONEUM-PERITONEAL.UV.RO

Layers

The peritoneum consists of two layers and a potential space between them:

• The outer layer, called the parietal peritoneum, is attached to the abdomina wall.
• The inner layer, the visceral peritoneum, is wrapped around the internal organs that are located inside the abdominal cavity.
• The potential space between these two layers is the peritoneal cavity; it is filled with a small amount (about 50 ml) of slippery serous fluid that allows the two layers to slide freely over each other.

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The epiploic foramen, greater sac or general cavity (red) and lesser sac, or omental bursa (blue).

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Horizontal disposition of the peritoneum in the upper part of the abdomen. (Areas outlined in blue and red correspond to above diagram.)

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