A membrane of squamous EPITHELIAL CELLS, the mesothelial cells, covered by apical MICROVILLI that allow rapid absorption of fluid and particles in the PERITONEAL CAVITY. The peritoneum is divided into parietal and visceral components. The parietal peritoneum covers the inside of the ABDOMINAL WALL. The visceral peritoneum covers the intraperitoneal organs. The double-layered peritoneum forms the MESENTERY that suspends these organs from the abdominal wall.

Annotation

do not confuse with PERITONEAL CAVITY; "peritoneal cells" = probably PERITONEAL CAVITY/cytol or PERITONEAL FLUID (see ASCITIC FLUID)/pathol but not PERITONEUM/cytol; inflammation = PERITONITIS; PERITONEAL LAVAGE is available

DUI

D010537 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0016366