peritoneum

[ per-i-tuh-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural per·i·to·ne·ums, per·i·to·ne·a [per-i-t, uh, -, nee, -, uh].

1. the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and investing its viscera.

peritoneum

/ ˌpɛrɪtəˈniːəm /

noun

1. a thin translucent serous sac that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity and covers most of the viscera

peritoneum

/ pĕr′ĭ-tn-ē′əm /

, Plural peritonea

1. The membrane that lines the walls of the abdomen and the pelvis (called the parietal peritoneum) and encloses the abdominal and pelvic organs (called the visceral peritoneum.) The space between the two, the peritoneal cavity, fills with inflammatory cells and pus when the peritoneum becomes infected.

Derived Forms

• ˌperitoˈneal, adjective

Other Words From

• per·i·to·ne·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peritoneum¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Late Latin, variant spelling of peritonaeum, from Greek peritónaion, noun use of neuter of peritónaios, synonymous derivative of perítonos “stretched round”; peri-, tone, -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of peritoneum¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek peritonaion, from peritonos stretched around, from peri- + tenein to stretch

Example Sentences

Care must be taken to include the peritoneum in these sutures.

From Project Gutenberg

Were there cysticerci of different kinds in the peritoneum of the rabbit?

From Project Gutenberg

There was a rough brown exudation upon the surface of the peritoneum and intestines.

From Project Gutenberg

The abdominal viscera in general appeared healthy; slight effusion into the cavity of the peritoneum.

From Project Gutenberg

Adhesions to the parietal peritoneum are as a rule easily detached with the finger.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• breast
• heart
• rib cage