2. INTRODUCTION
• The peritoneum is the serous membrane that
forms the lining of the abdominal cavity.
• It covers most of the intra-abdominal (or
coelomic) organs, and is composed of a layer
of mesothelium supported by a thin layer
of connective tissue.
3. • The structures within the intraperitoneal
space are called "intraperitoneal" (e.g.,
the stomach and intestines).
• the structures in the abdominal cavity that
are located behind the intraperitoneal space
are called "retroperitoneal" (e.g., the kidneys).
• structures below the intraperitoneal space
are called "subperitoneal" or "infraperitoneal"
(e.g., the bladder).
4. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
• Peritoneal dialysis:- a glucose solution is sent
through a tube into the peritoneal cavity. The
fluid is left there for a prescribed amount of
time to absorb waste products, and then
removed through the tube.
5. • Peritonitis:-Peritonitis is the inflammation of
the peritoneum. It is more commonly
associated to infection from a punctured
organ of the abdominal cavity.
• Peritonitis causes fever, tenderness, and pain
in the abdominal area, which can be localized
or diffuse.
6. • Primary peritoneal carcinoma:-Primary
peritoneal cancer is a cancer of the cells lining
the peritoneum.
• Retroperitoneum is the part of the abdominal
cavity that lies between the posterior
parietal peritoneum and anterior to
the transversalis fascia.
7. • Retroperitoneum is divided into three spaces
by the perirenal fascia and is best visualised
using CT or MRI. The three spaces are:
• anterior pararenal space
• perirenal space
• posterior pararenal space
8. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
• Pneumoretroperitoneum:- is by definition
presence of gas within the retroperitoneal
space.
• retroperitoneal fibrosis:-also known as chronic
periaortitis. It is an uncommon fibrotic
reaction in the retroperitoneum that typically
presents with ureteral obstruction.