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peritoneal cavity

(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul KA-vuh-tee)
The space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver. It is bound by thin membranes.
Drawing shows a cross section of the peritoneal cavity and the peritoneum. Also shown are the liver, stomach, pancreas, large intestine, greater omentum, small intestine, ovary, uterus, bladder, and rectum.Enlarge this image in new window
The peritoneal cavity is the space that contains most of the organs in the abdomen, including the liver, stomach, and intestines. The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.
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