What Is the Peritoneal Cavity?
The peritoneal cavity is the fluid-filled gap between the wall of the abdomen and the organs contained within the abdomen. The cavity consists of the visceral and the parietal peritoneum. Both are a smooth membranes which excrete fluid. The visceral peritoneum is the inner layer of the membrane which wraps around the internal organs of the abdomen. The parietal peritoneum is the outer layer attached to the wall of the abdomen.
The peritoneal cavity is the fluid-filled gap between the wall of the abdomen and the organs contained within the abdomen. The cavity consists of the visceral and the parietal peritoneum. Both are a smooth membranes which excrete fluid. The visceral peritoneum is the inner layer of the membrane which wraps around the internal organs of the abdomen. The parietal peritoneum is the outer layer attached to the wall of the abdomen. The peritoneal cavity contains the pelvis, stomach, spleen, gall bladder, liver and the intestines. The fluid contained in the peritoneal cavity exists to lubricate, or reduce wear and tear, the tissues and organs in the abdomen during digestion. It contains anti-inflammatory properties such as antibodies, white blood cells and electrolytes.
