ORGANIZATION OF THE ABDOMINOPELVIC CAVITY

Dr. James C. McKenzie

OBJECTIVES:

The student should observe in the cadaver, and be able to:

1. Understand the structure of and the functional importance of the omenta, mesentery and their component ligaments.

2. Describe the divisions of the embryonic gut and list the adult derivatives of each.

3. List the major blood supply(ies) to the various digestive organs.

4. Understand the portal circulation and the clinical consequences of its blockage.

5. Articulate the difference between intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal structures.

6. Describe structures found on the posterior abdominal wall.

Required Reading: M & A, pgs. 94-176.

OUTLINE:

I. Overview of Boundaries, Linings, & Contents

A. Boundaries and landmarks:

1. Abdominal cavity

2. Pelvic cavity

B. Serous membranes: The peritoneum

1. Parietal vs. Visceral

2. Greater omentum

3. Mesentaries:

a. The mesentery

b. Mesocolon

4. Greater sac

5. Lesser sac

a. epiploic foramen (of Winslow)

C. Intraperitoneal vs. retroperitoneal: Definitions & examples of each

1. Organs derived from gut tube

2. Organs derived from genito-urinary system

D. Organization of the gut tube: derivatives and boundaries

1. Foregut:

 

2. Midgut:

 

3. Hindgut:

 

E. Major blood vessels, significant branches and their target organs

1. Celiac trunk

 

2. Superior mesenteric artery

 

3. Inferior mesenteric artery

 

F. Hepatic portal circulation: Definition and significance

1. The portal triad

 

2. Portal hypertension

 

G. Overview of posterior abdominal wall & pelvis

1. Diaphragm

 

2. Muscles

 

3. Organs

 

4. Asymmetrical blood supplies