Abdominal cavity

The abdominal cavity is divided into two major compartments, the peritoneum and retroperitoneum, early in fetal development.

The parietal peritoneum is reflected over the peritoneal organs to form a series of supporting peritoneal ligaments, mesenteries and omenta. The peritoneal reflections carry vessels, nerves and lymphatics from the retroperitoneum to the peritoneal organs. They may act as a natural connection between the retroperitoneum and peritoneum (the subperitoneal space) which provides a pathway for the extension of intra-abdominal disease.

References
Related Radiopaedia articles
Anatomy: Abdominopelvic
skeleton of the abdomen and pelvis[+]
muscles of the abdomen and pelvis[+]
spaces of the abdomen and pelvis
anterior abdominal wall[+]
posterior abdominal wall[+]
abdominal cavity
peritoneum
peritoneal ligaments[+]
mesentery[+]
peritoneal spaces[+]
inguinal canal (mnemonic)
Hesselbach triangle
umbilical folds[+]
retroperitoneum
perirenal fascia
anterior pararenal space
perirenal space
posterior pararenal space[+]
great vessel space
lateroconal fascia
pelvic cavity[+]
perineum[+]
abdominal and pelvic viscera[+]
blood supply of the abdomen and pelvis[+]
lymphatics[+]
innervation of the abdomen and pelvis[+]