GI/Peritoneum Overview

Question 1

What borders form the abdominopelvic cavity?

Answer 1

Diaphragm
Abdominal Wall Muscles
Lumbar Vertebral Column
Pelvic Floor Muscle

Question 2

What lines the abdominopelvic cavity?

Answer 2

The peritoneum:

• Serous membrane
• Parietal on cavity wall
• Visceral on an organ

Question 3

How does blood, nerves & lymphatics get past the peritoneum to the organs?

Answer 3

peritoneum folds over organs forming folds called mesentery connecitng the organs to the posterior wall allowing blood, nerves, and lymphatics access

Question 4

Whats the difference between intra & Retro peritoneal organs?

Answer 4

Intraperitoneal are connected to the posterior wall by mesentery

Retroperitoneal are attached directly to the posterior wall

Question 5

Whats an omenta?

Answer 5

A double fold of peritoneum connecting two organs

Question 6

List the omenta?

Answer 6

Greater:

• Stomach to transverse colon
• Dangles down anterior to intestines

Lesser - Stomach to Liver

Question 7

Is there any external access to the peritoneum?

Answer 7

Not in men but yes in women.

So women are more likely to get peritonitis without injury

Question 8

What are the two sacs of the peritoneal cavity?

Answer 8

• The Greater and lesser sacs (lesser is also called omental bursa)
• Created by the twisting of the stomach
• Connected by the epiploic foramen over the stomach
• Greater anterior
• Lesser posterior

Question 9

What is the linear alba?

Answer 9

The tendinous attachment between anterior abdominal wall muscles where they meet in the centre.
A white line down the centre of the abdomen

Question 10

What is the rectus sheath?

Answer 10

A membrane covering the rectus abdominus where it contacts transverse muscles so it can move independantly

Formed from the aponeurosis of the obliques and transversus abdominis