Difference between revisions of "Peritoneal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==Structure== | ==Structure== | ||
*The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal. | *The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal. | ||
| − | + | *Single layer of [[Mesothelial cells|mesothelial cells]] | |
| − | * | ||
| − | Single layer of [[Mesothelial cells|mesothelial cells]] | ||
*Many species have lymphoid tissue aggregates and fixed phagocytes in the omentum that are not covered by mesothelial cells | *Many species have lymphoid tissue aggregates and fixed phagocytes in the omentum that are not covered by mesothelial cells | ||
| − | *NB Post mortem change and autolysis result in increased volumes of red-brown fluid in the abdomen, not associated with other pathology, no roughening of surfaces of organs or peritoneum. | + | *''NB Post mortem change and autolysis result in increased volumes of red-brown fluid in the abdomen, not associated with other pathology, no roughening of surfaces of organs or peritoneum.'' |
==Function== | ==Function== | ||
Revision as of 15:56, 22 July 2008
Introduction
The peritoneum is the serous membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. It is a type of loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium. Extensions of the peritoneum form the mesenteries that support the abdominal contents. It functions to lubricate abdominal viscera , enhance the immune response and wall off infection in the abdomen to prevent peritonitis.
Structure
- The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal.
- Single layer of mesothelial cells
- Many species have lymphoid tissue aggregates and fixed phagocytes in the omentum that are not covered by mesothelial cells
- NB Post mortem change and autolysis result in increased volumes of red-brown fluid in the abdomen, not associated with other pathology, no roughening of surfaces of organs or peritoneum.
Function
- Small volume of clear fluid for lubrication - in equilibrium with plasma but doesn't contain high molecular weight molecules like fibrinogen
Vasculature
Innervation
Lymphatics
Histology
- Have microvili on their surface
- Very fragile but regenerate very quickly
- High fibrinolytic activity - protects against the formation of adhesions
- Show reactive change with inflammation or effusions
- May be confused with neoplastic cells
Species Differences
- Peritoneum is normally smooth and clear,
- Small volume of clear fluid for lubrication - in equilibrium with plasma but doesn't contain high molecular weight molecules like fibrinogen
- Small animals
- Low volume of clear straw coloured fluid
- Specific gravity <1.015 to 1.018
- Total protein 25-39g/L
- Nucleated cell count <3x10e9/L
- Mesothelial cells/macrophages