Peritoneal recesses: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:06, 15 February 2025

Peritoneal Recesses[edit]

Diagram of the peritoneal cavity, showing the peritoneal recesses.

The peritoneal recesses are potential spaces within the peritoneal cavity that are formed by folds of the peritoneum. These recesses are clinically significant as they can be sites where fluid or infection may accumulate. Understanding the anatomy of these recesses is important for surgeons and clinicians in diagnosing and treating abdominal conditions.

Anatomy[edit]

The peritoneal cavity is lined by the peritoneum, a serous membrane that forms a closed sac. The peritoneum is divided into the parietal peritoneum, which lines the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum, which covers the abdominal organs. The peritoneal recesses are formed by the folds and reflections of the peritoneum.

Subphrenic Recess[edit]

The subphrenic recess is located between the diaphragm and the liver. It is divided into right and left subphrenic spaces by the falciform ligament. This recess is clinically important as it can be a site for the accumulation of pus or fluid in cases of peritonitis.

Hepatorenal Recess[edit]

The hepatorenal recess, also known as Morison's pouch, is situated between the liver and the right kidney. It is the most dependent part of the peritoneal cavity when a person is lying supine, making it a common site for fluid accumulation in conditions such as ascites or hemoperitoneum.

Paracolic Gutters[edit]

The paracolic gutters are grooves between the lateral aspect of the colon and the abdominal wall. There are right and left paracolic gutters, which allow the passage of fluid and can facilitate the spread of infection or cancer within the peritoneal cavity.

Rectouterine and Rectovesical Pouches[edit]

In females, the rectouterine pouch (also known as the pouch of Douglas) is the space between the rectum and the uterus. In males, the rectovesical pouch is the space between the rectum and the bladder. These pouches are the lowest points of the peritoneal cavity in the upright position and can be sites for fluid collection.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The peritoneal recesses are important in the context of abdominal surgery and radiology. They can be sites of abscess formation, fluid collection, or spread of disease. Understanding their anatomy helps in the interpretation of imaging studies and in planning surgical interventions.

Related Pages[edit]

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 == Peritoneal Recesses ==
-[[Peritoneal recesses]] are pockets or spaces formed by the [[peritoneum]], the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. They are of clinical significance as they can act as potential spaces for the accumulation of fluid, infection, or malignancy.
+[[File:Gray1040.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the peritoneal cavity, showing the peritoneal recesses.]]
-== Anatomy ==
+The '''peritoneal recesses''' are potential spaces within the [[peritoneal cavity]] that are formed by folds of the [[peritoneum]]. These recesses are clinically significant as they can be sites where [[fluid]] or [[infection]] may accumulate. Understanding the anatomy of these recesses is important for [[surgeons]] and [[clinicians]] in diagnosing and treating abdominal conditions.
-The peritoneal recesses are formed due to the irregular shape of the abdominal and pelvic organs, and the manner in which the peritoneum drapes over them. There are several peritoneal recesses, including the [[hepatorenal recess]], [[subphrenic recesses]], [[paracolic gutters]], and [[pelvic recesses]].
+=== Anatomy ===
-=== Hepatorenal Recess ===
+The peritoneal cavity is lined by the peritoneum, a serous membrane that forms a closed sac. The peritoneum is divided into the [[parietal peritoneum]], which lines the abdominal wall, and the [[visceral peritoneum]], which covers the abdominal organs. The peritoneal recesses are formed by the folds and reflections of the peritoneum.
-The [[hepatorenal recess]], also known as Morison's pouch, is the space that exists between the posterior aspect of the right lobe of the [[liver]] and the right [[kidney]] and [[adrenal gland]]. It is the most dependent area of the abdominal cavity when a person is in the supine position.
+==== Subphrenic Recess ====
-=== Subphrenic Recesses ===
+The '''subphrenic recess''' is located between the [[diaphragm]] and the [[liver]]. It is divided into right and left subphrenic spaces by the [[falciform ligament]]. This recess is clinically important as it can be a site for the accumulation of [[pus]] or [[fluid]] in cases of [[peritonitis]].
-The [[subphrenic recesses]] are spaces found between the diaphragm and the anterior and superior surfaces of the liver. There are two subphrenic recesses: the right and left, separated by the [[falciform ligament]].
+==== Hepatorenal Recess ====
-=== Paracolic Gutters ===
+The '''hepatorenal recess''', also known as [[Morison's pouch]], is situated between the liver and the right [[kidney]]. It is the most dependent part of the peritoneal cavity when a person is lying supine, making it a common site for fluid accumulation in conditions such as [[ascites]] or [[hemoperitoneum]].
-The [[paracolic gutters]] are grooves found alongside the ascending and descending [[colon]]. They allow for the flow of fluid and infection from the upper abdomen to the pelvis.
+==== Paracolic Gutters ====
-=== Pelvic Recesses ===
+The '''paracolic gutters''' are grooves between the lateral aspect of the [[colon]] and the abdominal wall. There are right and left paracolic gutters, which allow the passage of fluid and can facilitate the spread of infection or [[cancer]] within the peritoneal cavity.
-The [[pelvic recesses]] are spaces within the pelvic cavity, including the rectouterine pouch (in females) and the rectovesical pouch (in males).
+==== Rectouterine and Rectovesical Pouches ====
-== Clinical Significance ==
+In females, the '''rectouterine pouch''' (also known as the [[pouch of Douglas]]) is the space between the [[rectum]] and the [[uterus]]. In males, the '''rectovesical pouch''' is the space between the rectum and the [[bladder]]. These pouches are the lowest points of the peritoneal cavity in the upright position and can be sites for fluid collection.
-Peritoneal recesses can act as potential spaces for the accumulation of fluid, such as in [[ascites]], or the spread of infection or malignancy within the abdominal cavity. They are often evaluated in imaging studies, such as [[ultrasound]] or [[computed tomography (CT) scan]], to identify any abnormal fluid collection.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
-== See Also ==
+The peritoneal recesses are important in the context of [[abdominal surgery]] and [[radiology]]. They can be sites of [[abscess]] formation, fluid collection, or spread of disease. Understanding their anatomy helps in the interpretation of [[imaging]] studies and in planning surgical interventions.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Peritoneum]]
-* [[Abdominal cavity]]
+* [[Peritoneal cavity]]
-* [[Pelvic cavity]]
+* [[Ascites]]
+* [[Peritonitis]]
-== References ==
-== External Links ==
 [[Category:Anatomy]]
 [[Category:Abdomen]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-{{anatomy-stub}}