Changes

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.

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==

==Structure & Histology==

*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]]

*It consists of a thin layer of loose connective tissue covered by a 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.''