dictionary help| peritoneum | medical dictionary |
<anatomy> 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.
Alternative forms: peritonaeum.
Origin: L. Peritoneum, peritonaeum, Gr, fr. To stretch all around or over; around + to stretch.
(01 Mar 1998)
peritoneoscopy, peritoneotomy, peritoneovenous shunt < Prev | Next > peritoneum parietale, peritoneum viscerale
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