Abdomen Sonography: Peritoneal Cavity - Video Lesson

Hey everyone, welcome back to our abdominal extended sonography series. Today's lesson focuses on the peritoneal cavity, how it's divided, which structures are intra versus retroperitoneal, and where fluid or pathology may collect. We'll also review the anatomy and ultrasound appearance of the stomach, bowel, and appendix, including wall layering, peristalsis, and how to distinguish them from nearby organs. Finally, we'll touch on when and how ultrasound is used to evaluate the GI tract and peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity and gastrointestinal tract can be challenging to assess with ultrasound, but they hold critical diagnostic clues, especially in emergency, pediatric, and acute care settings. The peritoneal cavity is a network of spaces within the abdomen lined by a thin membrane called the peritoneum. This membrane has two layers, the parietal peritoneum, which lines the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum, which covers the abdominal organs.