16th February 2024

Peritoneum

The peritoneum is a double membrane covering the abdomen, pelvis, and the organs within. It is divided into parietal layer and visceral layers. The parietal layer lines the cavity of the abdomen and pelvis, while the visceral layer covers the intraabdominal and intrapelvic organs. 

The space between the two layers is called the peritoneal cavity and is further divided into the greater sac and a lesser sac. These two parts of the peritoneal cavity interconnect via epiploic foramen. The greater sac is the main compartment, while the lesser sac is small and sits behind the stomach.

The parietal layer is sensitive to touch, temperature, pressure and pain, while the visceral layer is sensitive to stretch.