Word parts
What it means
It has a layer on the belly wall and a layer on the organs, with a little fluid between them so the organs can slide. It is rich in blood vessels, which is why it can serve as the filter in peritonealper-ih-toh-NEE-ulHaving to do with the peritoneum, the thin lining of the belly cavity and the organs inside it.Full entry dialysis. Inflammation of it is peritonitis, a serious condition.
At a glance
| Spanish | peritoneo |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
perineal
Having to do with the perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus.
Related terms
dialysis
A treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.
peri-
A word beginning that means around or near.
peritoneal
Having to do with the peritoneum, the thin lining of the belly cavity and the organs inside it.