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Peritoneal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:40, 23 July 2008
, 14:40, 23 July 2008→Peritoneal Fluid
===Peritoneal Fluid===
===Peritoneal Fluid===
*Peritoneal fluid is produced by mesothelial cells.
*A small quantity of peritoneal fluid is produced by mesothelial cells.
*The potential space formed by the two layers of peritoneum is filled with a thin film of fluid that allows the two layers to slide over each other freely.
*It fills the potential space formed by the two layers of peritoneum and allows the two layers to slide over each other freely.
*Peritoneal fluid is also produced as a transudate which coats the serosal surface of viscera to facilitate frictionless movement e.g. during peristalsis.
*Peritoneal fluid is also produced as a transudate which coats the serosal surface of viscera to facilitate frictionless movement e.g. during peristalsis.
*It is in equilibrium with plasma but doesn't contain high molecular weight molecules like fibrinogen.
*It is in equilibrium with plasma but doesn't contain high molecular weight molecules like fibrinogen.
*The fluid is constantly being produced and resorbed through the large surface area of the peritoneum.
**For this reason drugs are sometimes administered by intraperitoneal injection.
**Bacterial toxins are also absorbed readily and can cause inflammation of the peritoneum; ''[[Peritoneal Cavity - Inflammatory|peritonitis]]''
==Function==
==Function==