[The peritoneum-anatomy, fluid flow, and patterns of spread of intra-abdominal diseases].

Ligaments and mesenteries divide the peritoneal cavity into interconnected compartments. In addition to the underlying disease, the anatomical conditions of the abdominal cavity and the intraperitoneal distribution of fluid have a decisive influence on the course and spread of the illness. Knowledge of these factors provides insight into clinically relevant disease processes and thus enables systematic diagnosis.