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
Limited by abdominal wall muscles, diaphragm, and (arbitrarily) by pelvic brim
Peritoneum divides peritoneal cavity from subperitoneal space, which contains all abdominal viscera, ligaments, and mesenteries
GROSS ANATOMY
Divisions
Compartments Divided by Transverse Mesocolon
Peritoneum
Mesentery
Omentum
Ligaments
Folds
Peritoneal Recesses
ANATOMY IMAGING ISSUES
Imaging Recommendations
Imaging Pitfalls
Selected References
Pannu HK et al: The subperitoneal space and peritoneal cavity: basic concepts. Abdom Imaging. 40(7):2710-22, 2015
Tirkes T et al: Peritoneal and retroperitoneal anatomy and its relevance for cross-sectional imaging. Radiographics. 32(2):437-51, 2012
Related Anatomy
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References
Tables
Tables
TERMINOLOGY
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
Limited by abdominal wall muscles, diaphragm, and (arbitrarily) by pelvic brim
Peritoneum divides peritoneal cavity from subperitoneal space, which contains all abdominal viscera, ligaments, and mesenteries
GROSS ANATOMY
Divisions
Compartments Divided by Transverse Mesocolon
Peritoneum
Mesentery
Omentum
Ligaments
Folds
Peritoneal Recesses
ANATOMY IMAGING ISSUES
Imaging Recommendations
Imaging Pitfalls
Selected References
Pannu HK et al: The subperitoneal space and peritoneal cavity: basic concepts. Abdom Imaging. 40(7):2710-22, 2015
Tirkes T et al: Peritoneal and retroperitoneal anatomy and its relevance for cross-sectional imaging. Radiographics. 32(2):437-51, 2012
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