Peritoneum      Structures       Development       Disease states      Classification of abdominal structures

Disease states

• Pneumoperitoneum is the presence of gas within the peritoneal cavity, as may occur when a perforation forms in the stomach or intestines, and heralds a perilous situation.
• Peritonitis refers to inflammation of the peritoneal lining or cavity, as may occur with either a perforation or by spread of infection through the wall of one of the abdominal organs. This too is a serious condition, and often requires emergency surgery.
• Ascites is an accumulation of excess fluid within the peritoneal cavity.

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Peritoneal dialysis

In one form of dialysis, the peritoneal dialysis, a special solution is run through a tube into the peritoneal cavity. The fluid is left there for a while to absorb waste products, and then removed through the tube. The reason for this effect is the high number of arteries and veins in the peritoneal cavity. Through the mechanism of diffusion, waste products are removed from the blood.

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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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