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The smooth serous membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen, or the whole body cavity when there is no diaphragm, and, turning back, surrounds the viscera, forming a closed, or nearly closed, sac. [Written also peritonæum.]

Same as Ascites.

the membrane lining the body cavity and covering the surface of the inclosed viscera; the peritoneum; -- used especially in the case of those animals in which the body cavity is not divided.

y between the thorax and the pelvis. Also, the cavity of the belly, which is lined by the peritoneum, and contains the stomach, bowels, and other viscera. In man, often restricted to the part between the diaphragm and the commencement of the pelvis, the remainder being called the pelvic cavity.

A collection of serous fluid in the cavity of the abdomen; dropsy of the peritoneum. Dunglison.

A curved fold or process of the dura mater or the peritoneum; esp., one of the partitionlike folds of the dura mater which extend into the great fissures of the brain.

low (Anat.), the opening connecting the sac of the omentum with the general cavity of the peritoneum.

on of cutting into the upper part of the vagina, through the abdomen (without opening the peritoneum), for the purpose of removing a fetus. It is a substitute for the Cæsarean operation, and less dangerous.

The membranes, or one of the membranes (consisting of a fold of the peritoneum and inclosed tissues), which connect the intestines and their appendages with the dorsal wall of the abdominal cavity. The mesentery proper is connected with the jejunum and ilium, the other mesenteries being called mesoc, mesocolon, mesorec…

The fold of peritoneum which suspends the ovary from the dorsal wall of the body cavity.

The fold of peritoneum attached to the cæcum. -- Mes`o*cæ"cal, a.

The fold of peritoneum, or mesentery, attached to the colon. -- Mes`o*col"ic, a.

The fold of peritoneum connecting the stomach with the dorsal wall of the abdominal cavity; the mesogastrium.

A fold of the peritoneum connecting the liver with the dorsal wall of the abdominal cavity.

The fold of the peritoneum supporting the oviduct.

The fold of peritoneum which attaches the testis to the dorsal wall of the body cavity or scrotal sac.

The fold of peritoneum, or mesentery, attached to the rectum. -- Mes`o*rec"tal, a.

The fold of peritoneum connecting the ovary with the wall of the abdominal cavity.

A free fold of the peritoneum, or one serving to connect viscera, support blood vessels, etc.; an epiploön.

Same as Peritoneum.