Definitions

• Peritoneal cavity: Potential space in abdomen between visceral and parietal peritoneum, usually containing only small amount of peritoneal fluid (for lubrication)
• Abdominal cavity: Not synonymous with peritoneal cavity but encompasses entire space between abdominal wall musculature, below diaphragm, and above (arbitrarily) pelvic brim
  • Contains all intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal abdominal viscera

Peritoneum

Divisions of Peritoneal Cavity

Mesentery

Omentum

Peritoneal Ligaments

Peritoneal Folds

Peritoneal Recesses

Imaging Pitfalls

Clinical Importance