Layers of the GI Tract

• Peritoneum of the Abdominopelvic Cavity

  most digestive organs reside in the abdominopelvic cavity

  the peritoneum of the abdomionpelvic cavity is the most extensive of the serous membranes in the body

  
• Visceral & Parietal Peritoneum

  the visceral peritoneum covers the external surfaces of most digestive organs + is continuous w the parietal peritoneum that lines the body wall
• Peritoneal Cavity


  between the 2 peritoneums = peritoneal cavity

  = a slit-like potential space containing a slippery fluid secreted by the serous membranes

  the serous fluid allows the mobile digestive organs to glide across one another + along the body wall as they carry out their activities
• Messentry


  a messentry = a double layer of peritoneum

  = a sheet of 2 serous membranes fused back to back that extneds to the digestive organs from the body wall
• Functions of Messentries


  provide routes for blood vessels, lymphatics + nerves to reach the digestive viscera

  hold organs in place

  store fat