US Medical Term · anatomy
Peritoneum
Peritoneo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Peritoneum |
| Spanish (Español) | Peritoneo |
| Chinese (中文) | 腹膜 |
| Korean (한국어) | 복막 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phúc mạc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Peritonyo |
| Portuguese (Português) | Peritônio |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เยื่อบุช่องท้อง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 腹膜 |
What it means
The peritoneum is a thin, smooth membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and spleen. It acts like a slippery lining that lets organs move smoothly against each other. A small amount of fluid between its two layers reduces friction. Peritonitis — inflammation of the peritoneum, usually caused by a bacterial infection from a ruptured appendix, perforated ulcer, or abdominal injury — is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery and antibiotics. Abdominal surgeries that leave scar tissue can cause adhesions — bands of tissue that form between organs and the peritoneum, sometimes causing bowel obstructions later.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The doctor said my appendix ruptured and the infection has spread to the peritoneum — I need surgery right away.
El médico dijo que el apéndice se perforó y la infección se ha extendido al peritoneo. Necesito cirugía de inmediato.
The cancer has spread to the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity.
El cáncer se ha extendido al peritoneo, que es el revestimiento de la cavidad abdominal.
After my abdominal surgery I developed adhesions — scar tissue between my intestines and peritoneum.
Después de mi cirugía abdominal desarrollé adherencias, que son tejido cicatricial entre mis intestinos y el peritoneo.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026