[Plate 291, Veins of Large Intestine]Peritoneum
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page 139
Serous membrane
Lines the abdominopelvic cavity
Consists of two continuous layers of mesothelium:
Parietal peritoneum
Lines the internal abdominal wall
Receives its neurovascular supply from the region of the wall it lines
Visceral peritoneum
Invests abdominal viscera
Receives its neurovascular supply from that of organ
Peritoneal cavity
A potential space between the parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum
Contains a thin film of fluid
No organs actually lie within this potential space
Males: peritoneal cavity is completely closed
Females: communicates with exterior of body via uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina
Intraperitoneal organs
Are organs nearly totally covered by visceral peritoneum
Not actually inside the peritoneal cavity, but project into the peritoneal cavity
Are covered by peritoneum
Are attached to body wall and other organs by mesenteries and ligaments
Include:
Liver
Spleen
Stomach
First part of duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Transverse colon
Sigmoid colon