!Peritoneum
!!Anatomy
The peritoneum as __visceral fascia__ is a protective skin for the abdomen, consisting of 2 layers:
*The __parietal__ part is a serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity
*The __visceral__ part covers the inner organs liver, Stomach, spleen, parts of small and large intestine, and the ovaries in females.

Between both layers is a small amount of __liquid__ for mobile support of the abdominal organs. The peritoneum also serves as a conduit for ((Circulatory - System Overview|blood)) and ((Circulatory - Lymphatic System|lymph vessels)) and ((Nervous - System Overview|nerves)). Only the parietal part is ((Nervous - Sensory Innervation|sensory innervated)).
The folds at small and large intestines are called __mesentery__.

The __((Digestive - Visceral Fascia - Greater Omentum (Epiploon)|Greater Omentum ))__is a part of the peritoneum which serves as an insulating or protective layer for the intestines. It hangs down from the larger curvature of the stomach and creates an __apronlike fold__ in front of the guts. It contains mainly adipose and ((Circulatory - Lymphatic System|lymphatic tissues)). 

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{img fileId="264" thumb="box"}graphic: [http://slideplayer.com/slide/4883331/|Pearson Education] 

!!Brain
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!!!Relay:
__Cerebellum__ ( + / - )
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__Cerebral Cortex__ (-/+) lateral sulcus, for sensitivity
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!!Mind
!!!Theme:
Attack against the abdomen (physical or associated)

!!!Emotions, Thoughts
__Vulnerability, fear, resistance__
*This hit me in the guts! 
*I won´t give in to that surgery.
*I can´t imagine being cut open. 
*I have to protect my belly!
!!!META-Meaning:
*Now, I can take care of my belly and let go of my fears.
*Now, I can decide what happens with my belly.
*My belly is protected
*Good things are happening to my belly.
!!Organ
Side dominance is irrelevant for analysis

!!!Stress Phase Symptoms:
Functional enhancement and __tissue reinforcement/hyperplasia__ of the serous membrane with secretive or reabsorptive properties; sometimes as nodular compact mesotheliomas which can be diagnosed as benign or malignant tumor.

!!!Regeneration Phase Symptoms:
Painful inflammatory degradation of excessive tissue (__peritonitis__), usually microbial activity leading to nightly sweating. __Ascites__ (accumulation of serous liquid) can occur to avoid an adhesion of the intestines and an intestinal occlusion (Ileus) during this process. In case of a simultaneously active ((Urinary - Kidneys - Collecting Tubules|water retention)), the ascites may become very dramatic. After the regeneration phase, frequently calcium inclusions remain. Autolysis or remaining of the inactive tumour are also possible.

!!!Biological Meaning:
*The hyperplasia in stress phase is meant to help in protection of the abdomen.
*The ascites of regeneration phase is meant to avoid adhesion.

!!Social
*After an abdominal surgery, the patient develops a peritonitis.
*Peritonitis is provoked by a recurring appendicitis (regeneration after anger conflict pattern)
*A woman feels “hit under the belt” by the news that her husband had gambled and lost a huge sum of money. She is diagnosed with peritoneal carcinoma.
!!Additional Information
!!!Constellations
__Cerebellum Constellation__ possible: reduced sensitivity (physical and emotional), "emotional burnout"

!!!Differential Diagnosis:
Affections of any organ covered by the peritoneum, such as ((Digestive - Stomach Overview|stomach)), first 5 cm of the ((Digestive - Duodenum|duodenum)), ((Digestive - Small Intestine - Jejunum, Ileum|jejunum, ileum)), ((Digestive - Cecum and Appendix Mucosa|cecum,__ appendix__)),__ ((Digestive - Colon Mucosa|transverse colon))__,__ ((Digestive - Sigmoid Colon|sigmoid colon))__, ((Digestive - Rectum - Mucosa (Endodermal layer)|rectum)) (upper 1/3), ((Digestive - Liver - Parenchyma|liver)), ((Circulatory - Spleen|spleen)),__ ((Digestive - Pancreas Overview|pancreas))__ (only tail), and in women: ((Reproductive - Uterus Overview|uterus)),__((Reproductive - Ovaries - Hormone Production| ovaries))__, ((Reproductive - Fallopian Tubes|fallopian tubes)).
