Peritoneum, Peritoneal Folds & Recesses

Description

The peritoneum is a serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and covering visceral organs (visceral peritoneum). It forms a closed sac in males but communicates with fallopian tubes in females. Peritoneal folds are double-layered reflections connecting organs to body walls or other organs, including mesenteries (suspending intestines), omenta (greater and lesser), and ligaments (supporting liver, spleen). Peritoneal recesses are potential spaces formed by these folds, including the hepatorenal recess (Pouch of Morrison), rectovesical pouch (males), and pouch of Douglas (rectouterine pouch in females). These recesses are clinically significant as sites where fluid collections and infections can occur.