understanding the peritoneal cavity Flashcards
(136 cards)
1
Q
What are the superior boundaries of the abdominal wall?
A
The superior boundaries of the abdominal wall are the costal margin and xiphoid process.
2
Q
What are the inferior boundaries of the abdominal wall?
A
The inferior boundaries of the abdominal wall are the pelvic bones and iliac crest.
3
Q
What are the posterior boundaries of the abdominal wall?
A
The posterior boundaries of the abdominal wall are the lumbar vertebrae.
4
Q
What are the anterolateral boundaries of the abdominal wall?
A
The anterolateral boundaries of the abdominal wall are the abdominal muscles.
5
Q
What are the superior boundaries of the abdominal cavity?
A
The superior boundary of the abdominal cavity is the diaphragm.
6
Q
What are the inferior boundaries of the abdominal cavity?
A
The inferior boundary of the abdominal cavity is the pelvic inlet.
7
Q
What are the posterior boundaries of the abdominal cavity?
A
The posterior boundaries of the abdominal cavity are the abdominal wall muscles.
8
Q
What are the anterolateral boundaries of the abdominal cavity?
A
The anterolateral boundaries of the abdominal cavity are the abdominal wall muscles.
9
Q
What is the superior boundary of the pelvic cavity?
A
The superior boundary of the pelvic cavity is the pelvic brim.
10
Q
What are the posterior boundaries of the pelvic cavity?
A
The posterior boundaries of the pelvic cavity are the sacrum and coccyx.
11
Q
What is the anterior boundary of the pelvic cavity?
A
The anterior boundary of the pelvic cavity is the pubic symphysis.
12
Q
What forms the floor of the pelvic cavity?
A
The floor of the pelvic cavity is formed by the pelvic floor muscles.
13
Q
What are the lateral boundaries of the pelvic cavity?
A
The lateral boundaries of the pelvic cavity are formed by the obturator internus muscles.
14
Q
What are the five main layers of the anterolateral abdominal wall from external to internal?
A
Skin
Superficial fascia
Camper’s (fatty) and Scarpa’s (membranous) layers
Muscles (including obliques and rectus abdominis)
Deep fascia
15
Q
What is the role of the oblique muscles in the anterolateral abdominal wall?
A
The oblique muscles are part of the muscular layer of the anterolateral abdominal wall and provide support and stability to the abdomen.
16
Q
Which muscle is located in the anterior portion of the anterolateral abdominal wall?
A
The rectus abdominis muscle is located in the anterior portion of the anterolateral abdominal wall.
17
Q
What is the role of the deep fascia in the anterolateral abdominal wall?
A
The deep fascia, specifically the transversalis fascia, provides a connective tissue layer between the muscles and the peritoneum.
18
Q
What are the two layers of the peritoneum in the anterolateral abdominal wall?
A
The peritoneum in the anterolateral abdominal wall consists of two layers: parietal peritoneum (lining the abdominal wall) and visceral peritoneum (covering the abdominal organs).
19
Q
What are the four main muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall?
A
The four main muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall are the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TA), and rectus abdominis (RA).
20
Q
What is the function of the external oblique muscle?
A
The external oblique muscle works with the internal oblique muscle for torsional movement of the trunk.
21
Q
What is the function of the internal oblique muscle?
A
The internal oblique muscle helps flex and rotate the trunk and compress the viscera.
22
Q
What is the function of the transversus abdominis muscle?
A
The transversus abdominis muscle helps compress and support the viscera.
23
Q
What is the function of the rectus abdominis muscle?
A
The rectus abdominis muscle flexes the trunk and compresses the viscera.
24
Q
What is the inguinal ligament?
A
The inguinal ligament is a band of connective tissue that extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle, forming the lower boundary of the inguinal canal.
25
What is the Rectus Abdominis muscle?
The Rectus Abdominis muscle is a paired muscle located in the anterior part of the abdomen. It runs vertically along the midline and is commonly referred to as the "six-pack" muscle.
26
What is the Rectus Sheath?
The Rectus Sheath is a fibrous sleeve that encloses the Rectus Abdominis muscle. It is formed by the aponeuroses (flat, sheet-like tendons) of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles.
27
What is the function of the Rectus Sheath?
The Rectus Sheath provides additional support and protection to the Rectus Abdominis muscle and helps maintain the integrity and stability of the anterior abdominal wall.
28
Which layer of the Rectus Sheath is anterior?
The anterior layer of the Rectus Sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of the external oblique and half of the aponeurosis of the internal oblique muscles.
29
What is the Arcuate line?
The Arcuate line is a fascial junction located in the abdominal wall. It serves as the transition point between the posterior sheath (above the umbilicus) and the transversalis fascia (below the umbilicus).
30
What is the relationship between the Arcuate line and the Rectus Sheath?
The Arcuate line marks the superior boundary of the Rectus Sheath below the umbilicus. Above the umbilicus, the Rectus Sheath extends all the way to the costal margin.
31
: What structures contribute to the formation of the Rectus Sheath above the umbilicus?
Above the umbilicus, the Rectus Sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles.
32
What structures contribute to the formation of the Rectus Sheath below the umbilicus?
Below the umbilicus, the Rectus Sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. The posterior sheath is formed by the transversalis fascia.
33
What artery supplies the central region of the abdominal wall?
The superior epigastric artery arises from the internal thoracic artery and supplies the central region of the abdominal wall.
34
Where does the inferior epigastric artery originate from, and what region does it supply?
The inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery and supplies the lower region of the abdominal wall. It enters the rectus sheath at the Arcuate line.
35
Which arteries supply the lateral region of the abdominal wall?
The musculophrenic artery, deep circumflex iliac artery, and subcostal artery supply the lateral region of the abdominal wall.
36
How is the venous drainage of the abdominal wall related to the arterial supply?
The venous drainage of the abdominal wall corresponds to the named arteries. The superficial epigastric veins and superficial iliac veins drain into the great saphenous vein.
37
What structures are included in the foregut division of the gastrointestinal tract?
The foregut includes the structures from the esophagus up to the proximal duodenum, located proximal to the major papilla.
38
Which structures are part of the midgut division of the gastrointestinal tract?
The midgut includes the distal half of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and three-fourths of the transverse colon.
39
What structures are included in the hindgut division of the gastrointestinal tract?
The hindgut includes the distal one-third of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
40
Which organs are part of the foregut division?
The foregut includes the esophagus, stomach, proximal half of the duodenum, liver, and pancreas.
41
What structures are included in the hindgut division?
The hindgut includes the distal one-third of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
42
What is the parietal peritoneum?
The parietal peritoneum is the outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the abdominal and pelvic walls.
43
What is the peritoneal cavity?
The peritoneal cavity is the space between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum. It contains organs and is filled with a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move and slide against each other.
44
What is the mesoderm?
The mesoderm is one of the three primary germ layers in embryonic development. It gives rise to various tissues and structures, including the peritoneum.
45
What is the role of the mesenteries in the abdominal cavity?
Mesenteries are double-layered folds of the peritoneum that hold organs in position within the abdominal cavity. They provide support, contain blood vessels, and allow for the passage of nerves and lymphatics.
46
What is the origin of the mesenteries?
Mesenteries are structures of mesodermal origin, which means they develop from the mesoderm during embryonic development.
47
What is the mesentery?
The mesentery is a double-layered fold of the peritoneum that attaches the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall. It provides support and contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.
48
How is the mesentery positioned in relation to the gut tube?
The mesentery can be either dorsal or ventral, depending on its relative position with respect to the gut tube during embryonic development.
49
What happens to the ventral mesentery?
The ventral mesentery generally degenerates, except in relation to the foregut region, where it persists and forms the lesser omentum and falciform ligament.
50
What is the role of the mesentery?
The mesentery serves as a pathway for blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves, allowing them to reach the organs within the abdominal cavity.
51
What structures are derived from the dorsal mesentery?
The dorsal mesentery attaches the gut organs to the posterior abdominal wall and gives rise to the following structures: the greater omentum, gastrosplenic ligament, gastrophrenic ligament, gastrocolic ligament, splenorenal ligament, and mesentery of the small and large bowel.
52
What structures are derived from the ventral mesentery?
The ventral mesentery gives rise to various ligaments around the liver, including the falciform ligament, lesser omentum, hepatogastric ligament, and hepatoduodenal ligament.
53
What is the greater omentum?
The greater omentum is a fold of the peritoneum that extends from the greater curvature of the stomach and hangs down over the abdominal organs, forming a "fatty apron."
54
What is the lesser omentum?
The lesser omentum is a double-layered fold of the peritoneum that connects the lesser curvature of the stomach and the proximal part of the duodenum to the liver.
55
What is the hepatoduodenal ligament?
The hepatoduodenal ligament is a part of the lesser omentum that contains the portal triad (hepatic artery, portal vein, and common bile duct) and connects the liver to the duodenum.
56
What is gut rotation?
Gut rotation refers to the process during embryonic development in which the gastrointestinal tract undergoes a series of rotations and positional changes.
57
Why does gut rotation occur?
Gut rotation occurs to accommodate the growth and development of the abdominal organs and to establish the proper anatomical positions of the intestines.
58
In which direction does gut rotation occur?
Gut rotation occurs in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front of the developing embryo.
59
What are the main rotations involved in gut rotation?
The main rotations involved in gut rotation include the 90-degree counterclockwise rotation of the stomach and the subsequent 270-degree clockwise rotation of the midgut.
60
What happens during gut rotation?
During gut rotation, the stomach moves to the left side of the abdomen, the intestines form loops and coil, and the cecum and appendix move from the midgut to the right lower abdomen.
61
What are the two components of the peritoneum?
The peritoneum has two components: the parietal peritoneum and the visceral peritoneum.
62
What is the parietal peritoneum?
The parietal peritoneum is the outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the abdominal and pelvic walls. It does not cover the organs.
63
What is the visceral peritoneum?
The visceral peritoneum is the inner layer of the peritoneum that covers the organs within the abdominal cavity.
64
What is the function of the peritoneum?
The peritoneum provides a protective and lubricating covering for the abdominal organs, allowing them to move and slide against each other during digestion and other abdominal processes.
65
What does the parietal peritoneum adhere to?
The parietal peritoneum adheres to the anterior and posterior abdominal walls, the undersurface of the diaphragm, and the cavity of the pelvis.
66
What types of tissues are found in the parietal peritoneum?
The parietal peritoneum contains extraperitoneal connective tissue, which includes loose areolar tissue, dense fibrous tissue, and fat. It is closely related to the deep layer of abdominal muscles.
67
What structures does the parietal peritoneum anchor?
The parietal peritoneum serves as an anchor for retroperitoneal structures, including the pancreas, duodenum, ascending and descending colon.
68
How is the parietal peritoneum innervated?
The parietal peritoneum is innervated by segmental spinal nerves, including intercostal nerves (thoracic region), diaphragmatic nerves (diaphragm), and lumbar nerves (lumbar region).
69
How does the visceral peritoneum pass over the front of organs?
The visceral peritoneum passes over the front of organs such as the duodenum, right colon, and left colon. It forms a continuous layer that covers the outer surface of these organs.
70
What is the significance of the mesentery in the visceral peritoneum?
The visceral peritoneum forms a mesentery when two leaves of peritoneum come together and enclose an organ. This mesentery provides support and allows the organ to move within the abdominal cavity.
71
What are spaces and recesses in the visceral peritoneum?
The visceral peritoneum creates spaces and recesses within the abdominal cavity. For example, organs in the pelvis, such as the rectum, uterus, and bladder, project into the pelvic cavity.
72
How is the visceral peritoneum innervated?
The visceral peritoneum is innervated by visceral nerves, which are part of the autonomic nervous system. These nerves control the involuntary functions of the organs.
73
What is the peritoneal cavity?
The peritoneal cavity is a potential space between the serous-coated organs within the abdominal cavity.
74
What is the function of the fluid in the peritoneal cavity?
The peritoneal cavity contains a small volume of fluid that serves to lubricate the organs, allowing them to move and slide against each other during digestive processes.
75
What are the two spaces within the peritoneal cavity?
The peritoneal cavity can be divided into two spaces: the greater sac (coelom) and the lesser sac.
76
What is the greater sac (coelom)?
The greater sac is the main compartment of the peritoneal cavity. It extends throughout the abdominal cavity and surrounds most of the abdominal organs.
77
What is the lesser sac?
The lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa or the omental sac, is an outpouching of the greater sac located behind the stomach. It is a smaller compartment within the peritoneal cavity.
78
What is the greater sac of the peritoneal cavity?
The greater sac is the main compartment of the peritoneal cavity that extends throughout the abdominal cavity.
79
What is contained in the supra colic compartment of the greater sac?
The supra colic compartment is located above the transverse mesocolon within the greater sac. It contains upper abdominal organs such as the stomach, liver and biliary tree, pancreas, and spleen.
80
Where is the greater sac located in relation to the diaphragm and costal margin?
The greater sac lies below the diaphragm and under the costal margin, which is the lower border of the ribcage.
81
What is the function of the greater sac?
The greater sac provides space for the majority of the abdominal organs and allows for their movement and proper functioning within the peritoneal cavity.
82
What is the supra colic compartment of the greater sac?
The supra colic compartment is the portion of the greater sac that contains the investing peritoneum of the upper abdominal organs.
83
Which organs are included in the supra colic compartment of the greater sac?
The supra colic compartment includes the stomach from the esophagus to the first part of the duodenum.
84
What are the support ligaments associated with the supra colic compartment?
The supra colic compartment is supported by ligaments such as the gastrophrenic ligament, gastrosplenic ligament, and splenorenal ligament.
85
What is the greater omentum?
The greater omentum is a fold of the peritoneum that consists of two fused layers. It extends from the stomach and proximal duodenum and lays over the contents of the infracolic compartment.
86
What is contained within the greater omentum?
The greater omentum contains adipose (fat) tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatics.
87
What is the lesser omentum?
The lesser omentum is a fold of the peritoneum that connects the stomach to the undersurface of the liver.
88
What structures does the lesser omentum connect?
The lesser omentum connects the right border of the esophagus, the lesser curve of the stomach, and the first part of the duodenum to the undersurface of the left lobe of the liver.
89
What is the function of the lesser omentum?
The lesser omentum provides support and allows for the passage of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics between the liver and the stomach/duodenum.
90
Where is the lesser omentum located?
The lesser omentum is situated within the upper abdominal region, connecting the liver and the stomach/duodenum.
91
How does the lesser omentum differ from the greater omentum?
Unlike the greater omentum, which is a large fold of the peritoneum that extends from the stomach and proximal duodenum, the lesser omentum is a smaller fold specifically connecting the liver and the stomach/duodenum.
92
Where is the lesser sac located?
The lesser sac is an outpouching of the greater sac located behind the stomach and anterior to the pancreas and major blood vessels in the retroperitoneal space.
93
How does the lesser sac communicate with the greater sac?
The lesser sac communicates with the greater sac through a small opening called the epiploic foramen, also known as the foramen of Winslow.
94
What structures form the boundaries of the epiploic foramen?
The anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen is formed by the hepatoduodenal ligament and hepatogastric ligament, while the posterior boundary is formed by the inferior vena cava and the right crus of the diaphragm. The superior boundary is the caudate lobe of the liver, and the inferior boundary is the superior part of the duodenum.
95
What is the free edge of the lesser omentum?
The free edge of the lesser omentum refers to the unattached margin of the peritoneal fold. It is located between the liver and the lesser curvature of the stomach.
96
What is the infra-colic compartment of the greater sac?
The infra-colic compartment is located below the transverse mesocolon within the greater sac. It is divided into two para-colic gutters, the right and left gutters.
97
What are the para-colic gutters?
The para-colic gutters are spaces or channels that run along the sides of the abdominal cavity. The right para-colic gutter is located between the ascending colon and the lateral abdominal wall, while the left para-colic gutter is between the descending colon and the lateral abdominal wall.
98
What is the infracolic compartment of the greater sac?
The infracolic compartment is the lower portion of the greater sac located below the transverse mesocolon. It is divided into the right and left infracolic compartments.
99
What structures are found within the infracolic compartment?
The infracolic compartment contains the small intestine, ascending colon, and descending colon.
100
What is the function of the para-colic gutters and infracolic compartments?
The para-colic gutters and infracolic compartments provide space for the movement and positioning of the intestines, as well as the passage of blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
101
What is the right paracolic gutter?
The right paracolic gutter is a space located on the right side of the abdominal cavity. It extends from the upper pole of the right kidney to the undersurface of the right lobe of the liver, forming a pouch known as the hepato-renal pouch. It is positioned laterally to the ascending colon and the cecum and extends towards the pelvic cavity.
102
What structures are associated with the right paracolic gutter?
The right paracolic gutter is in close proximity to the ascending colon, cecum, right kidney, and the undersurface of the right lobe of the liver. It provides a space for fluid accumulation and allows for communication between these structures.
103
What is the function of the paracolic gutters?
The paracolic gutters serve as channels that allow the movement of fluids, such as peritoneal fluid and digestive secretions, within the abdominal cavity. They also provide a pathway for the drainage of fluids towards the pelvic cavity.
104
Where is the infra-colic compartment located?
The infra-colic compartment is situated below the transverse mesocolon within the greater sac. It contains the small intestine, ascending colon, and descending colon.
105
What is the significance of the infra-colic compartment?
The infra-colic compartment provides a distinct space within the greater sac for the positioning and movement of the small intestine and colonic segments. It allows for proper organization and function of the digestive organs within the abdominal cavity.
106
What is the left paracolic gutter?
The left paracolic gutter is a space located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. It is wholly infracolic, meaning it is situated within the infra-colic compartment of the greater sac.
107
What are the boundaries of the left paracolic gutter?
The left paracolic gutter is bounded superiorly by the phrenicocolic ligament, which connects the left colic flexure (splenic flexure) to the diaphragm. It is also located lateral to the descending colon and the base of the sigmoid mesocolon.
108
What structures are associated with the left paracolic gutter?
The left paracolic gutter is in proximity to the descending colon and the base of the sigmoid colon. It provides a space for the movement of fluid and facilitates drainage in the infracolic compartment.
109
What is the function of the left paracolic gutter?
The left paracolic gutter acts as a channel for the movement and drainage of fluid within the abdominal cavity. It allows for the proper distribution and flow of peritoneal fluid in the infracolic compartment.
110
Where does the left paracolic gutter extend towards?
The left paracolic gutter extends towards the pelvic cavity, allowing for communication between the abdominal and pelvic regions.
111
How is the small bowel mesentery divided?
The small bowel mesentery is divided by its attachment to the posterior abdominal wall. It is approximately 15 cm in length and extends from the duodeno-jejunal flexure, which is located obliquely to the right iliac fossa.
112
What structures are contained within the small bowel mesentery?
The small bowel mesentery contains the small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum. It provides support and supplies blood vessels and nerves to these structures.
113
What is the length of the small bowel within the mesentery?
The small bowel within the mesentery can extend for up to 6 meters. It consists of the jejunum, which is the proximal portion, and the ileum, which is the distal portion.
114
What are the functions of the small bowel within the mesentery?
The small bowel, including the jejunum and ileum, is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from digested food. It plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption processes of the gastrointestinal system.
115
What other structures are found within the small bowel mesentery?
In addition to the small intestine, the small bowel mesentery contains the ascending (right) and descending (left) colon. These structures are part of the large intestine and are involved in the processing and elimination of waste material.
116
What structures are located laterally (to the right) in the greater sac's right infra-colic compartment?
The right infra-colic compartment of the greater sac is located laterally to the caecum and ascending colon. These structures are part of the large intestine and are involved in the processing and elimination of waste material.
117
What structures are located medially in the greater sac's right infra-colic compartment?
The right infra-colic compartment of the greater sac is medially related to the small bowel mesentery. This mesentery provides support and supplies blood vessels and nerves to the small intestine, including the jejunum and ileum.
118
What is the upper limit of the right infra-colic compartment?
The upper limit of the right infra-colic compartment extends to the right half of the transverse colon. The upper aspect of this compartment overlies the 3rd and 4th parts of the duodenum as well as the lower pole of the right kidney.
119
What structures are located laterally (to the left) in the greater sac's left infra-colic compartment?
The left infra-colic compartment of the greater sac is located laterally to the descending colon. The descending colon is part of the large intestine and is involved in the processing and elimination of waste material.
120
What structures are located medially in the greater sac's left infra-colic compartment?
The left infra-colic compartment of the greater sac is medially related to the small bowel mesentery. This mesentery provides support and supplies blood vessels and nerves to the small intestine, including the jejunum and ileum.
121
What is the upper limit of the left infra-colic compartment?
The upper limit of the left infra-colic compartment extends to the left half of the transverse mesocolon. It sweeps down into the pelvis, allowing for communication between the abdominal and pelvic regions.
122
What is the vesico-uterine pouch?
The vesico-uterine pouch is a peritoneal reflection located between the bladder (vesicle) and the uterus in females. It forms a potential space within the pelvis.
123
What is the recto-uterine pouch?
The recto-uterine pouch is a peritoneal reflection located between the rectum and the uterus in females. It forms a potential space within the pelvis.
124
What are peritoneal reflections?
Peritoneal reflections are areas where the peritoneum folds back on itself, forming double layers. These reflections occur at specific anatomical locations and play a role in creating potential spaces within the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
125
What are peritoneal folds?
Peritoneal folds are specialized structures formed by infoldings or duplications of the peritoneum. They often contain blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels and help to support and anchor organs within the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
126
How does the peritoneum facilitate fluid exchange?
The peritoneum allows for fluid exchange between its layers, which is important for maintaining the balance of fluids within the abdominal and pelvic cavities. This fluid exchange is utilized in procedures like peritoneal dialysis.
127
What role does the peritoneum play in infection?
The peritoneum contains phagocytes, specialized immune cells that help protect the abdominal and pelvic organs from infection. These cells engulf and destroy invading pathogens.
128
How does the peritoneum contribute to healing?
The mesothelial cells of the peritoneum can transform into fibroblasts, which are involved in the process of tissue healing and repair. This allows the peritoneum to contribute to the healing of injuries or surgical incisions within the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
129
What is the role of the greater omentum?
The greater omentum, a double-layered fold of the peritoneum, physically protects the abdominal organs. It can wrap around and isolate areas of inflammation or infection, acting as a barrier and helping to prevent the spread of disease.
130
What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. It is usually caused by infection, trauma, or a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract.
131
What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch-like structure attached to the cecum. It is a common cause of peritonitis when the inflamed appendix ruptures, releasing bacteria into the peritoneal cavity.
132
What is an appendix mass?
An appendix mass refers to a localized collection of inflammatory tissue, typically formed around an inflamed appendix. It can occur when the body's immune system attempts to contain the infection. Treatment may involve antibiotics or surgical intervention.
133
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a collection of pus that forms as a result of an infection. In the context of peritonitis, an abdominal abscess can develop when bacteria invade the peritoneal cavity and cause localized infection and inflammation.
134
What is perforation?
Perforation refers to the formation of a hole or rupture in a structure. In the case of peritonitis, perforation commonly occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach, intestines, or appendix. It allows the contents of the tract to leak into the peritoneal cavity, leading to infection and inflammation.
135
How does peritoneal malignancy spread?
Peritoneal malignancy can spread through transcoelomic dissemination, which involves the spread of cancer cells within the peritoneal cavity. This occurs when cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and migrate to other parts of the peritoneum, leading to the development of secondary tumors.
136
What is ascites?
Ascites is the accumulation of excess fluid within the peritoneal cavity. It can be a common feature in peritoneal malignancy and other conditions, such as liver disease or certain cancers. Ascites can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort.
