Peritoneum, Mesenteries, and Heart Layers Flashcards

Flashcards covering the anatomy of the peritoneum, classifications of abdominal organs, and the structure of the pericardium and heart wall layers.

What is the peritoneum?

The serous membrane of the abdominopelvic cavity.

What is the function of the peritoneum?

Produces serous fluid that reduces friction and allows organs to move smoothly.

What is parietal peritoneum?

Peritoneum lining the inner surface of the abdominal wall.

What is visceral peritoneum?

Peritoneum covering the external surface of abdominal organs.

What is the peritoneal cavity?

The potential space between parietal and visceral peritoneum containing lubricating serous fluid.

What is a mesentery?

A double layer of peritoneum that connects an organ to the body wall and carries blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics.

Why are mesenteries important?

They suspend organs while allowing movement and provide a pathway for vessels and nerves.

What does intraperitoneal mean?

An organ is suspended by a mesentery and lies within the peritoneal cavity.

What does retroperitoneal mean?

An organ lies behind the peritoneum and is attached to the posterior abdominal wall.

What does infraperitoneal mean?

An organ lies below the peritoneal cavity.

Which specific organs are listed as intraperitoneal?

Stomach, Liver, Jejunum, Ileum, Transverse colon, and Sigmoid colon.

Which specific organs are listed as retroperitoneal?

Kidneys, Pancreas, Duodenum, Ascending colon, and Descending colon.

Which specific organs are listed as infraperitoneal?

Urinary bladder and Rectum.

What is the pericardium?

The sac surrounding the heart.

What are the two main layers of the pericardium?

Fibrous pericardium and serous pericardium.

What is the fibrous pericardium?

Tough outer connective tissue layer that anchors and protects the heart.

What is the parietal layer of the serous pericardium?

The layer lining the inside of the fibrous pericardium.

What is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium?

The layer directly covering the heart surface.

What is another name for the visceral serous pericardium?

Epicardium.

What is the pericardial cavity?

The space between parietal and visceral serous pericardium containing lubricating fluid.

What are the layers of the heart wall from superficial to deep?

Epicardium → Myocardium → Endocardium.

Which heart layer contains cardiac muscle?

Myocardium.

Which heart layer lines the chambers of the heart?

Endocardium.