26 THE PERITONEUM. 



The peritoneum abounds with absorbent vessels, and there- 

 fore possesses the power of absorption to a great degree. This 

 power may be inferred, not only from the spontaneous removal 

 of the fluid of ascites, but if milk and water be introduced into 

 the abdomen of a living animal, through a puncture, it will also 

 disappear. 



The blood-vessels of the peritoneum are derived from those 

 which supply the neighboring parts. Nerves have not yet 

 been traced into it, and in a healthy state it has little or no 

 sensibility. 



This membrane supports the viscera of the abdomen in their 

 proper situations ; it also forms a surface for them and for the 

 cavities which contain them, so smooth and lubricated, that no 

 injury can arise from their friction. 



The cellular substance, by which the peritoneum is connect- 

 ed to the contiguous parts, is very different in different places. 

 It is very short indeed between this membrane and the stomach 

 and intestines, and also between it and the tendinous centre of 

 the diaphragm. Between the peritoneum and the muscles 

 generally, it is much longer. Where it covers the kidneys and 

 the psoas muscle, it is very lax and yielding. About the kid- 

 neys a large quantity of adeps very commonly collects in it. 

 On the psoas muscle it yields with but little resistance to the 

 passage of pus, or any other effused fluid, as in the case of 

 psoas abscess. 



