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.