| Peritoneal cavity | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Precursor | Intraembryonic coelom |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | cavitas peritonealis, saccus serosus peritonei |
| MeSH | D010529 |
| TA98 | A10.1.02.001 |
| TA2 | 3702 |
| TH | H3.04.08.0.00011 |
| FMA | 14704 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Theperitoneal cavity is apotential space located between the two layers of theperitoneum—the parietal peritoneum, theserous membrane that lines theabdominal wall, and visceral peritoneum, which surrounds theinternal organs.[1] While situated within theabdominal cavity, the termperitoneal cavity specifically refers to the potential space enclosed by these peritoneal membranes. The cavity contains a thin layer of lubricatingserous fluid that enables the organs to move smoothly against each other, facilitating the movement and expansion of internal organs during digestion.
The parietal and visceral peritonea are named according to their location and function. The peritoneal cavity, derived from thecoelomic cavity in theembryo, is one of several body cavities, including thepleural cavities surrounding the lungs and thepericardial cavity around the heart.
The peritoneal cavity is the largest serosal sac and fluid-filled cavity in the body,[2] itsecretes approximately 50 milliliters (1.7 U.S. fl oz) of fluid daily. This fluid serves as a lubricant and hasanti-inflammatory properties. The cavity is divided into thegreater andlesser sacs, with the greater sac further subdivided into the supracolic and infracolic compartments.[3][4]
The peritoneal cavity is divided into the greater and lesser sacs. The greater sac comprises the majority of the peritoneal cavity, while the lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa, is smaller and situated posterior to the stomach andlesser omentum. They are connected by theomental foramen.[4]
The greater sac is further subdivided into two compartments by the mesentery of thetransverse colon, known as thetransverse mesocolon. This division creates an upper and a lower compartment within the greater sac, named the supracolic and infracolic compartment respectively, each housing different organs and structures of the abdominal cavity.[3][4]
Theliver,spleen, stomach, and lesser omentum are contained within the supracolic compartment. Thesmall intestine surrounded by the ascending, transverse, anddescending colon, and theparacolic gutters are contained within the infracolic compartment.
The peritoneal cavity is widely used inintraperitoneal injections to administerchemotherapy drugs,[5][6] and is also utilized inperitoneal dialysis.[7] An increase incapillary pressure in the abdominal organs can cause fluid to leave theinterstitial space and enter the peritoneal cavity, resulting in a condition calledascites. Whencerebrospinal fluid overaccumulates, such as inhydrocephalus, the fluid is commonly diverted intentionally to the peritoneal cavity using a surgically placedcerebral shunt.[8] Sampling of body fluid from the peritoneal cavity is referred to asperitoneocentesis.
