THE PERITONEUM

• A large serous membrane that lines the interior of the abdominopelvic walls and the viscera
  
  
• Consists of: a single layer of flat mesothelial cells, supported by an underlying layer of loose connective tissue.
  
  
• A thin layer of fluid covers the peritoneal surfaces. It is derived from interstitial fluid and from adjacent capillaries.

• Peritoneum comprises two layers:
  
  (+) Parietal lines the body walls
  
  (+) Visceral covers the body organs

• Peritoneal folds are  reflections of the peritoneum between the  body wall and viscera and between the viscera themselves.
  
  
• Some  types of folds:
  
  (+) 'Ligaments'
  (+)  Mesenteries
  (+) Omenta
  
  
• A mesentery is a double-layered fold of peritoneum that suspends viscera from the parietes.
  
  
• One thick fold of peritoneum hangs from the stomach over the viscera of the mid-abdomen, and is called the greater omentum (Latin for cover or apron).
  
  
• The lesser omentum is a double layer of peritoneum that runs between the stomach and liver