Peritoneum

The peritoneum stretches from the diaphragm to the pelvis and consists of the parietal peritoneum and the visceral peritoneum.

There is normally no empty space within the peritoneum. There is a tiny amount of peritoneal fluid normally but any accumulation of fluid (ascites) or gas (pneumoperitoneum) is abnormal. Inflammation of the peritoneum is peritonitis, which is usually caused by a perforation in the stomach or intestines and is a serious condition.

A listing of the major structures in the abdomen, divided into whether they are intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal.

Intraperitoneal structures

• stomach
• jejunum
• ileum
• appendix
  
  
• spleen
  
  
• transverse colon
• sigmoid colon
  
  
• in women:
  • uterus
  • fallopian tubes
  • ovaries

Extraperitoneal structures

• greater omentum
• lesser omentum
• liver
• gall bladder
• bile ducts
  
  
• Parts of the gastrointestinal tract
  • duodenum
  • pancreas
  • ascending colon
  • descending colon
  • rectum
  
  
• Major blood vessels
  • aorta
  • inferior vena cava
• adrenal glands
• kidneys
• ureters
• bladder

/msg me for comments/suggestions/corrections (it's confusing enough figuring out from memory which structures belong where on this list)

Per`i*to*ne"um (?), n. [L. peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr. , , fr. to stretch all around or over; around + to stretch.] Anat.

The smooth serous membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen, or the whole body cavity when there is no diaphragm, and, turning back, surrounds the viscera, forming a closed, or nearly closed, sac.

© Webster 1913.