Boundaries of abdominal cavity
Diaphragm (seperates from thoracic)
Pelvic brim (not physical barrier, cavity is continuous to pelvic cavity)
Structures that perforate diaphragm
Vena cava
Aorta
Oesophagus
Deep structures of abdominal cavity
Pancreas
Duodenum
Spinal cord
Kidneys
Superficial structures in abdominal cavity
Liver
Stomach
Intestines
What is peritoneum made of?
Layers of mesothelium - simple serous squamous
(secrete fluid)
Intra-peritoneal meaning
Superficial organs with viscera that are FULLY enveloped by peritoneal mesothelial
Intra-peritoneal organs
Liver
Stomach
Small Intestine
Retro-peritoneal meaning
Deep organs where their anterior viscera is only enveloped by peritoneal mesothelium
Retro-peritoneal organs
Kidneys
Spinal cord
What is a mesentery?
Channels between intra-peritoneal and retro-peritoneal formed by double layers of peritoneum, contains blood supply
What is located within peritoneum cavity?
Nothing - serous fluid
Functions of mesentery
Channels that allow blood vessels and lymph vessels to be connected to intra and retro peritoneal
Peritoneal vs Abdominal cavity
DISTINCT - abdominal contains organs, peritoneal envelops them but does not contain anything
What is a peritoneal ligament?
Double folds of peritoneum connecting viscera of organs in intra-peritoneal space (does not pass through to retro-peritoneal)