peritonei

Peritonei is the plural term used in some languages, notably Italian, for the peritoneum. In English, the corresponding terms are peritoneum (singular) and peritonea (plural). The peritoneum is a continuous serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most abdominal organs.

Anatomy and layout

The peritoneum consists of two layers: the parietal peritoneum, which lines the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum, which envelops the organs. The potential space between these layers is the peritoneal cavity, which normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid to reduce friction during organ movement. The peritoneum forms various folds and structures, including mesenteries, omenta, and ligaments, that suspend and stabilize organs and provide pathways for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

Functions

The peritoneum serves several roles: providing a frictionless surface for viscera, supplying a route for vessels and nerves, contributing to immune defense through resident immune cells, and aiding in the mechanical organization and fat storage of intraperitoneal organs. It also participates in fluid and protein exchange between the bloodstream and the peritoneal cavity.

Clinical significance

Common conditions affecting the peritoneum include peritonitis (inflammation usually due to infection or chemical irritation), ascites (fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity often related to liver disease or malignancy), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (widespread cancer involvement within the cavity). Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane as a semi-permeable barrier for waste removal in kidney failure.

Development and terminology

The peritoneum derives from mesodermal tissue during embryology. In English medical usage, peritonea is the plural form; peritonei is encountered primarily in non-English contexts as the plural of peritoneum (Italian) or in Latinized medical texts.