The peritoneum is the thin, glistening serous membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities and covers many of the abdominal organs. It has two continuous layers: the parietal peritoneum on the walls and the visceral peritoneum on the organs, with the potential peritoneal cavity between them. Its surface area is roughly equal to that of the skin.
| Location | Lines the abdominal and pelvic walls and the underside of the diaphragm and covers the intraperitoneal organs |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Lower intercostal, subcostal, iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal and phrenic nerves (parietal layer, somatic); Autonomic nerves of the organs (visceral layer) |
| Blood Supply | Body wall arteries (lower intercostal, subcostal, lumbar and epigastric) for the parietal layer; Arteries of the underlying organs for the visceral layer |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Produces lubricating fluid that lets organs glide over each other, supports and carries vessels to the organs through its folds, and helps contain infection.
Organs are described as intraperitoneal (largely covered and often on a mesentery, such as the stomach and jejunum) or retroperitoneal (behind it, such as the kidneys and most of the duodenum). Peritonitis causes rigidity and guarding because the parietal layer has a somatic nerve supply. The large surface area is used for peritoneal dialysis but also allows rapid spread of infection and cancer.
Inflammation of the peritoneum from infection or leakage of gut contents, causing severe pain, a rigid abdomen and sepsis.
Fibrous bands between peritoneal surfaces after surgery or inflammation, the leading cause of small bowel obstruction.
Rare malignant tumour of the peritoneal lining associated with asbestos exposure, causing ascites and abdominal swelling.
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