Define peritoneum and peritoneal cavity, and describe the relationship of the digestive organs to the peritoneum

what is the peritoneal cavity?

Potential space between parietal and visceral peritoneum

what is an important feature of the mesocolon?

anchors colon to posterior body wall

what is the purpose of the lesser omentum?

attaches stomach to liver

what is the purpose of the greater omentum?

covers small intestines like an apron

what is mesentery?

double layer of peritoneum

explain the purpose of ventral mesentery for peritoneum

forms lesser and greater omentum layer of connective tissue contains lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, blood vessels

what is an important feature of the small intestine mesentery?

holds many blood vessels

what is the purpose of the peritoneal cavity?

lubricates digestive organs. allows them to slide

what are retroperitoneal organs?

organs outside peritoneum

what covers the peritoneal organs?

peritoneum

what is peritoneum

serous membrane of the abdominal cavity

explain the purpose of dorsal mesentery for peritoneum

suspends GI tract and forms serosa (visceral peritoneum) of stomach and intestines

what is the purpose of mesentery?

vascular and nerve supplies to the viscera hold digestive organs in place stores fat

what are the two layers of peritoneum

visceral - covers external surface of digestive organs. parietal - lines body wall.