Structure
The peritoneum is a complex, continuous serous membrane consisting of a layer of mesothelium and varying degrees of connective and adipose tissue. Visually, it is largely unremarkable, smooth, and has a lubricated surface due to the presence of peritoneal fluid.
Anatomical Relations
The body of the uterus is “draped” from above by the perimetrium and is referred to as perimetrium. It forms the external layer of the three layers of the uterus.
Anteriorly, the perimetrium is reflected onto the bladder forming the vesicouterine pouch between the two structures. It extends inferiorly as far as the isthmus of the uterus. Posteriorly, it extends to the vaginal fornix and supravaginal cervix before reflecting onto the anterior surface of the rectum forming the rectouterine pouch. Laterally, the perimetrium from the anterior and posterior surfaces of the body of the uterus oppose forming a double layer mesentery called the broad ligament (Standring, 2016).
Function
The perimetrium decreases direct contact friction between the uterus and surrounding viscera.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Adhesions
—Endometriosis
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
