ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site peritoneum 1. Liver. 2. Stomach. 3. Pancreas. 4. Duodenum. 5. Mesentery. 6. Peritoneum. 7. Small intestine. 8. Fat. A serous membrane that lines the peritoneal cavity and covers the surface of the viscera within it. Like the other serous membranes of the body, the peritoneum has a parietal layer, which covers the wall of the abdomen, and a visceral layer, which covers the individual parts of the intestine. A small amount of fluid lies between these two layers in an extensive potential space, allowing free movement of the organs over each other. Although the peritoneum is formed in much the same way as the pericardium, the intestine is so much more complicated in shape than the heart that there are very many folds and layers of the visceral peritoneum. One particularly important part of the visceral peritoneum is a fold which is attached to the rear wall of the abdomen. This part is called the mesentery, and between the two layers of this fold lie the coils of the small intestine. Inflammation of the peritoneum is called peritonitis. Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP