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Ch. 22 The Digestive System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 22 The Digestive SystemProblem 2
Chapter 22, Problem 2

The peritoneal cavity is located:
a. Around each of the digestive organs
b. Between layers of mesentery
c. Superior to the greater omentum
d. Between the parietal and visceral peritoneum

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the peritoneal cavity: The peritoneal cavity is a potential space within the abdominal cavity that is lined by a serous membrane called the peritoneum. This membrane has two layers: the parietal peritoneum (lining the abdominal wall) and the visceral peritoneum (covering the abdominal organs).
Clarify the relationship between the parietal and visceral peritoneum: The peritoneal cavity is the space between these two layers. It contains a small amount of lubricating serous fluid that allows the organs to move smoothly against each other and the abdominal wall.
Analyze the options provided: Option (a) refers to the digestive organs, but the peritoneal cavity is not specifically 'around' each organ—it is the space between the two peritoneal layers. Option (b) mentions the mesentery, which is a fold of the peritoneum that supports the intestines, but the peritoneal cavity is not located between layers of mesentery. Option (c) refers to the greater omentum, which is a large fold of peritoneum, but the peritoneal cavity is not defined as being superior to it. Option (d) correctly describes the peritoneal cavity as the space between the parietal and visceral peritoneum.
Eliminate incorrect options: Based on the anatomical definitions, options (a), (b), and (c) do not accurately describe the location of the peritoneal cavity. Option (d) is the most accurate description.
Conclude that the correct answer is the one that aligns with the anatomical definition of the peritoneal cavity: It is located between the parietal and visceral peritoneum.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Peritoneal Cavity

The peritoneal cavity is a potential space within the abdominal cavity that houses various organs. It is lined by a serous membrane called the peritoneum, which consists of two layers: the parietal peritoneum, lining the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum, covering the abdominal organs. This cavity allows for movement and expansion of the organs while providing a lubricated surface.
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Mesentery

Mesentery is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, providing support and containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. It plays a crucial role in anchoring the intestines in place while allowing for their mobility. Understanding the relationship between the mesentery and the peritoneal cavity is essential for comprehending abdominal anatomy.
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Visceral and Parietal Peritoneum

The visceral peritoneum is the layer of peritoneum that directly covers the abdominal organs, while the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall. The space between these two layers forms the peritoneal cavity, which can be a site for fluid accumulation or infection. Recognizing the distinction between these layers is vital for understanding abdominal pathology and surgical procedures.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Drugs with anticholinergic side effects block ACh receptors in the peripheral nervous system, including those on digestive organs. Predict the effects such drugs would have on motility and secretion on the specific organs of the digestive system.

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Textbook Question

A surgical procedure known as gastric bypass involves removing all or part of the stomach.

Ms. Anthony has undergone gastric bypass, and her stomach has been removed entirely. She goes out to dinner and eats an extremely large meal. Explain what will happen in her small and large intestine following this meal.

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Textbook Question

Mr. Williams presents to your clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. He says that the pain worsens when he eats, particularly when he eats fatty meals. He has noticed that his stool has been an unusual clay color recently. You perform an ultrasound of his abdomen and find that gallstones are blocking his common bile duct, preventing bile from entering the duodenum.

Why are his symptoms worse when he consumes a high-fat meal? Would you expect his symptoms to worsen or lessen when he consumes a meal consisting only of carbohydrates? Explain.

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