peritoneum
/ˌpɛrɪtəˈniəm/
noun
- The thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the belly, such as the stomach, liver, and intestines.
- An infection in the peritoneum can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention.
- During surgery, the doctor carefully cut through the peritoneum to reach the intestines.
- The peritoneum helps protect the abdominal organs and keeps them in place.