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==Structure & Histology==
 
==Structure & Histology==
 
*The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal.
 
*The peritoneum is smooth and clear in the healthy animal.
*It consists of a thin layer of loose connective tissue covered by a single layer of [[Mesothelial cells|mesothelial cells]].
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*It consists of a thin layer of loose connective tissue covered by a single layer of [[Mesothelial cells|mesothelial cells]]. Collectively, the connective tissue and peritoneum are referred to as the '''serosa'''.
 
**Mesothelial cells are simple squamous and of mesodermal origin.
 
**Mesothelial cells are simple squamous and of mesodermal origin.
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*There are two layers of peritoneum lining the abdomen.
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**The layer in contact with the abdominal wall
 
*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.''
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