PERITONEUM and COELOM
Peritoneum Coelom: Examples: Def. – a body cavity lined with mesoderm. Pericardial cavity. Pleural cavities. Abdominopelvic cavity.
Peritoneum Mesodermal membranes associated with a true coelom: Serous membranes. Parietal membrane: Lines the walls of the coelom. Visceral membrane: Covers the viscera within the coelom.
Peritoneum Mesenteries: Double membranes connecting the parietal and the visceral peritoneum. In some instances mesenteries are referred to as ligaments.
Mesenteries Functions: Support viscera. Provide pathway for blood vessels and nerves to reach viscera.
Peritoneum Parietal peritoneum. Visceral peritoneum. Retroperitoneal: Refers to structures that lie behind the peritoneum: i.e., kidney. Usually covered on one surface by peritoneum.