Abdominal cavity
| Abdominal cavity | |
|---|---|
kidneys. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | cavitas abdominis |
| MeSH | D034841 |
| TA98 | A01.1.00.051 A10.1.00.001 |
| TA2 | 128 |
| FMA | 12266 |
| Anatomical terminology] | |
The abdominal cavity is a large
organs. It is a part of the abdominopelvic cavity.[2] It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is the thoracic diaphragm, a thin sheet of muscle under the lungs, and its floor is the pelvic inlet, opening into the pelvis
.
Structure
Organs
Organs of the abdominal cavity include the
Peritoneum
The abdominal cavity is lined with a protective membrane termed the
visceral peritoneum
.
Between the visceral and parietal peritoneum is the peritoneal cavity, which is a potential space.[1] It contains a serous fluid called peritoneal fluid that allows motion. This motion is apparent of the gastrointestinal tract. The peritoneum, by virtue of its connection to the two (parietal and visceral) portions, gives support to the abdominal organs.
The peritoneum divides the cavity into numerous compartments. One of these the
colon and the splenocolic ligament connects the spleen and the colon, or sometimes by their shape as the round ligament or triangular ligament.[1]
Mesentery
sigmoid mesocolon which enfolds the sigmoid colon.[1]
Omenta
The
lymph channels, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. There are two omenta. First, is the greater omentum that hangs off of the transverse colon and greater curvature of the stomach. The other is the lesser omentum that extends between the stomach and the liver.[1]
Clinical significance
Ascites
When fluid collects in the abdominal cavity, this condition is called
Chylous ascites heals best if the lymphatic vessel involved is closed. Heart failure can cause recurring ascites.[1]
Inflammation
Another disorder is called
chronic, generalized or localized, and may have one origin or multiple origins. The omenta can help control the spread of infection; however without treatment, the infection will spread throughout the cavity. An abscess may also form as a secondary reaction to an infection. Antibiotics have become an important tool in fighting abscesses; however, external drainage is usually required also.[1]
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59339-837-8.
- ISBN 0-03-055507-8.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Abdomen.
