UPPER GI

• What does the abdominopelvic cavity contain?

  Vital organs and structures organized into distinct regions
• Which organs are found in the abdominal portion of the abdominopelvic cavity?

  The stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine
• What is housed in the retroperitoneal space?

  The kidneys, adrenal glands, and major blood vessels
• What organs are contained in the pelvic cavity?

  The uterus and ovaries in females; prostate and seminal vesicles in males, bladder, and rectum
• What lines the pelvic cavity?

  The peritoneum
• What is the function of the peritoneal cavity?

  It allows organ movement and contains serous fluid
• What are mesenteries?

  Structures that anchor organs to the cavity wall
• What is the role of the greater omentum?

  It provides fat storage and immune function
• What forms the superior boundary of the abdominopelvic cavity?

  The diaphragm
• What forms the inferior boundary of the abdominopelvic cavity?

  The pelvic floor muscles
• What are musculoaponeurotic walls?

  Specialized structures that form the boundaries of body cavities
• What are the main components of musculoaponeurotic walls?

  Muscles, aponeuroses, and fascia
• Which muscles are included in the anterolateral abdominal wall?

  External oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis
• What is the function of the abdominal wall muscles?

  They provide active movement and support
• What is the role of the peritoneal cavity?

  It allows organs to slide smoothly against each other
• What is the composition of the peritoneum?

  A thin, slippery membrane with parietal and visceral layers
• What does the mesothelium do?

  It produces lubricating fluid and supports abdominal organs
• What is peritonitis?

  An infection of the peritoneal cavity
• What is ascites?

  Fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity
• What is parietal somatic innervation?

  The nerve supply to the parietal peritoneum and body wall structures
• Why is parietal innervation important?

  It makes the parietal peritoneum and abdominal wall sensitive to pain
• What type of pain does parietal innervation cause?

  Sharp, well-localized pain
• What is referred visceral pain?

  Pain felt in an area different from the actual source of the problem
• Why does referred visceral pain occur?

  Because visceral pain signals travel along the same nerve pathways as skin and muscle signals
• What is the embryonic origin of the peritoneal cavity?

  It develops from the mesoderm
• What is the mesothelium's role in the peritoneal cavity?

  It lines the cavity and produces lubricating fluid
• What is peritoneal serous fluid?

  A lubricating fluid produced by mesothelial cells
• What are the functions of peritoneal serous fluid?

  It reduces friction and allows organs to glide smoothly
• What can happen if the balance of peritoneal fluid production and absorption is disrupted?

  It can lead to excess fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Why is the composition of peritoneal fluid important?

  It serves as a diagnostic indicator in various abdominal conditions