Difference between revisions of "Peritoneal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology"

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 7: Line 7:
 
*The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal.
 
*The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal.
  
*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|Mesothelial cells]]/macrophages
 
 
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

Revision as of 15:55, 22 July 2008

BACK TO ALIMENTARY - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

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

Links

BACK TO ALIMENTARY - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY