Peritoneal recesses

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.

Anatomy

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.

Hepatorenal Recess

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 Recesses

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.

Paracolic Gutters

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.

Pelvic Recesses

The pelvic recesses are spaces within the pelvic cavity, including the rectouterine pouch (in females) and the rectovesical pouch (in males).

Clinical Significance

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.

See Also

• Peritoneum
• Abdominal cavity
• Pelvic cavity