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The peritoneum ( /ˌpɛrɨtənˈiəm/) is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity or the coelom-it covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs-inamniotes and some invertebrates (annelids, for instance). It is composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thin layer of connective tissue. The peritoneum both supports the abdominal organs and serves as a conduit for their blood and lymph vessels and nerves.

The abdominal cavity (the space bounded by the vertebrae, abdominal muscles, diaphragm and pelvic floor) should not be confused with the intraperitoneal space (located within the abdominal cavity, but wrapped in peritoneum). The structures within the intraperitoneal space are called "intraperitoneal" (e.g. the stomach), the structures in the abdominal cavity that are located behind the intraperitoneal space are called "retroperitoneal" (e.g. the kidneys), and those structures below the intraperitoneal space are called "subperitoneal" or "infraperitoneal" (e.g. the bladder).

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What is the term for organs that lie within the abdominal cavity but not within the peritoneal cavity?

The term for organs that lie within the abdominal cavity but not within the peritoneal cavity is "retroperitoneal organs." These organs include the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. They are positioned behind the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.


What is the division of the abdominal cavity containing those organs posterior to the peritoneal lining?

The retroperitoneal space contains organs in the abdominal cavity that are behind the peritoneal lining.


What organs are inferior to the diaphragm lateral to the vertebral column and behind the peritoneal cavity?

The kidneys are in the retroperitoneal space, located inferior to the diaphragm, lateral to the vertebral column, and deep to the peritoneal cavity.


Are the peritoneal organ more movable than retroperitoneal?

Yes, peritoneal organs are more movable since they are positioned within the peritoneal cavity, a space lined by the peritoneum that allows for greater movement and rotation. In contrast, retroperitoneal organs are located behind the peritoneum and are thus more fixed in their position and have limited mobility.


Do retroperitoneal organs have both a serosa and adventitia?

Yes, retroperitoneal organs have both a serosa and an adventitia. The serosa is the outermost layer that secretes a fluid to reduce friction, while the adventitia is a connective tissue layer that anchors the organ to surrounding structures.


What is secondarily retro-peritoneal?

Secondarily retroperitoneal refers to organs that were originally intraperitoneal during development but become retroperitoneal in the adult human anatomy. These organs include the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and ascending/descending colon. They are considered retroperitoneal because they are located behind the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.


What does the term retroperitioneal mean?

The term retroperitoneal refers to the area behind the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. Organs located in the retroperitoneal space include the kidneys, adrenal glands, and part of the pancreas. These organs are positioned outside the peritoneal cavity and are not covered by the peritoneum.


Briefly explain the difference between an adventitia and a serosa?

well, peritoneal structures like the bowel {i.e. located within the peritoneal cavity} are covered by serosa, a mesothelium type of cells. other organs {i.e. retroperitoneal, behind the peritoneum} like the oesophagus are covered with loose connective tissue called adventitia. Hope that helps... M A.J


Why are the kidneys retroperitoneal?

Organs are retroperitoneal if they have peritoneum on their anterior side only. Structures that are not suspended by mesentery in the abdominal cavity and that lie between the parietal peritoneum and abdominal wall are classified as retroperitoneal.


Why are the kidneys not surrounded by serous membrane?

The kidneys are not surrounded by a serous membrane because they are retroperitoneal organs, meaning they lie outside the peritoneal cavity. Instead, the kidneys are surrounded by adipose tissue and connective tissue that help protect and support the organs.


What is the extra peritoneal organs?

Extraperitoneal organs are those that lie outside the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, liver, and other organs. Examples of extraperitoneal organs include the kidneys, adrenal glands, aorta, and inferior vena cava. These organs are typically situated behind the peritoneum, in areas such as the retroperitoneal space, which provides them with some protection and structural support. Their positioning plays a crucial role in various physiological functions and surgical considerations.


Where is the retro perineal cavity located?

The retroperitoneal cavity is located immediately posterior to the abdominal cavity (behind). It contains the kidneys (and so also the adrenal glands), the pancreas, and the abdominal aorta and vena cava. The walls of the abdominal cavity are covered with a serous membrane, called the peritoneum, as are most internal organs. The fluid in the membrane protects these structures and reduces friction between the organs and the cavity walls as well as between the organs themselves. The retroperitoneal space is separated from the peritoneal space by this layer of membrane covering the anterior organs e.g. liver, stomach, intestines. Both spaces are within the abdominal cavity.