The Peritoneum (introduction)

By O.P. (Paul) Gobée, dept. of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, last update: 17 feb 2018

 

The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the abdomen and the abdominal organs. All abdominal organs have a characteristic position in relation to the peritoneum. This determines their accessibility, mobility and interconnection. Understanding the anatomy of the peritoneum is essential for understanding the orientation of the structures in the abdomen, the spread of fluids in the abdomen and abdominal surgery. "Understanding the peritoneum is understanding the anatomy of the abdomen."

 

Why bother about the peritoneum?

This video shows why: dependent on their relation to the peritoneum, abdominal structures may be visible or hidden when one opens the abdomen, and mobile or immobile. Moreover, the peritoneum divides the abomen into compartments. This may even be life-saving... (4m35s)
 

 

Read more...
What makes understanding the peritoneum so difficult?

Understanding the peritoneal anatomy is hampered by three factors: its complex twists and rotations, adhesions and disappearance of layers and terminological complexity. Knowing these factors helps dealing with them. This video helps you with these pitfalls. (4m45s)

 


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Introduction page of a series of pages about the peritoneum. This page explains why understanding the anatomy of the peritoneum is important. It is essential for understanding the orientation of the structures in the abdomen, the spread of fluids in the abdomen and abdominal surgery. "Understanding the peritoneum is understanding the anatomy of the abdomen."
Anatomical structures in item:
Peritoneum
Uploaded by: opgobee Netherlands, Leiden – Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University
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The Peritoneum (introduction)
Uploaded by: opgobee
Institution: Netherlands, Leiden – Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University
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Introduction page of a series of pages about the peritoneum. This page explains why understanding the anatomy of the peritoneum is important. It is essential for understanding the orientation of the structures in the abdomen, the spread of fluids in the abdomen and abdominal surgery. "Understanding the peritoneum is understanding the anatomy of the abdomen."
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Anatomical structures in item
Peritoneum
Topics
Gross