Abdominal Cavity
| Definition: |
The region in the abdomen extending from the thoracic DIAPHRAGM to the plane of the superior pelvic aperture (pelvic inlet). The abdominal cavity contains the PERITONEUM and abdominal VISCERA, as well as the extraperitoneal space which includes the RETROPERITONEAL SPACE. |
| Notes: |
prefer specifics; ABDOMEN is also available, use author's language |
| Previously Indexed: |
Abdomen (1964-2002) |
Abdominal Cavity Categories.
 |
Peritoneum - The endothelial lining of the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. The parietal peritoneum covers the inside of the ABDOMINAL WALL and the visceral peritoneum covers the bowel, the MESENTERY, and certain of the organs. The portion that covers the bowel becomes the serosal layer of the bowel wall. |
|
Retroperitoneal Space - An area occupying the most posterior aspect of the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. It is bounded laterally by the borders of the quadratus lumborum muscles and extends from the DIAPHRAGM to the brim of the true PELVIS, where it continues as the pelvic extraperitoneal space. |
Abdominal Cavity Definitions and Terms
MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching? Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page. We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.
|
