Chapter 36 - Abdominal and Genitourinary Trauma

peritoneum

A membrane in the abdomen encasing the liver, spleen, diaphragm, stomach, and transverse colon

mesentery

A membranous double fold of tissue in the abdomen that attaches various organs to the body wall

periumbilical

Pertaining to the area around the umbilicus

visceral pain

Crampy, aching pain deep within the body, the source of which is usually difficult to pinpoint; Common with genitourinary problems

evisceration

Displacement of an organ outside the body

peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum, the protective membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities

Kehr sign

Left shoulder pain that may indicate a ruptured spleen

somatic pain

Localized pain, usually felt deeply, that represents irritation or injury to tissue, causing activation of peripheral nerve tracts

retroperitoneal space

The area in the abdomen containing the aorta, vena cava, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and portions of the duodenum and large intestine

peritoneal cavity

The area in the abdomen encased in the peritoneum. It consists of an upper and a lower part. The upper portion contains the diaphragm, liver, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and transverse colon. The lower portion contains the small bowel, sigmoid colon, parts of the descending and ascending colon, and, in women, the internal reproductive organs

hematuria

The presence of blood in the urine

hemoperitoneum

The presence of extravasated blood in the peritoneal cavity