Peritoneum
A laparoscopy is performed, and the gynecologist notes the presence of several blue to red 0.2 to 0.4 cm slighted raised lesions scattered on the pelvic peritoneum in the cul-de-sac and broad ligaments.
What our notes say
- A laparoscopy is performed, and the gynecologist notes the presence of several blue to red 0.2 to 0.4 cm slighted raised lesions scattered on the pelvic peritoneum in the cul-de-sac and broad ligaments. (Female system — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Infection and inflammation of the upper genital tract, involving the uterus (endometritis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis), ovaries and pelvic peritoneum, usually from ascending infection. (Year 4 Gynaecology CAT (MBOG 4212): 30 November 2018)
- The presence of functioning endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, most often in the ovaries, pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments and pelvic peritoneum. (Year 4 Gynaecology CAT 2 (MBOG 4212): 8 October 2021)
- An infection of the upper female genital tract: the uterus (endometritis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis), ovaries and the pelvic peritoneum. (Year 6 Gynaecology CAT 1 (MBOG 6511): 13 December 2019, 4 short answers and 16 M)
- An infection of the upper female genital tract (the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the pelvic peritoneum), usually ascending from the cervix and vagina. (Gynaecology Year 4 CAT (MBOG 4212): 30 November 2018, ovarian cysts, abnormal me)
- Sites: ovary (most common), pelvic peritoneum, retrovaginal septum, uterine ligaments (Medical MCQs: Chemical Pathology & Haematology Exam Review)
Study material on Peritoneum
- Amebae
- Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts
- CamScanner 07 07 2026 14.14 — Past Paper Questions & Answers
Practice questions on Peritoneum
A patient develops acute pancreatitis. Areas of fat necrosis in the peritoneum appear as chalky-white deposits. This appearance is due to:
- Deposition of fibrin from vascular injury
- Accumulation of cholesterol crystals
- Formation of calcium soaps (saponification)
- Infiltration by neutrophils with myeloperoxidase
Answer: C. In fat necrosis, pancreatic lipases break down triglycerides to fatty acids, which combine with calcium to form calcium soaps—visible as chalky-white areas. This is saponification. This type of necrosis is specific to enzymatic fat breakdown, distinguishing it from other forms. ---
A 28-year-old woman presents with pelvic pain and infertility. Laparoscopy reveals multiple blue-black lesions on the ovaries and peritoneum. Histology shows endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Adenomyosis
- Endometriosis
- Leiomyoma
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Ovarian cystadenoma ✅ Answer: B
Answer: A. The presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus (blue-black lesions) is characteristic of endometriosis.
A 30-year-old woman presents with infertility and cyclic pelvic pain. Endometrial tissue is found on the ovaries and pelvic peritoneum. Which hormone primarily stimulates the growth of this tissue?
- Progesterone
- Oestrogen
- Cortisol
- Testosterone
- Prolactin ✅ Answer: B
Answer: A. Ectopic endometrial tissue, as seen in endometriosis, is hormonally responsive and its growth is primarily stimulated by estrogen.
A 30-year-old woman presents with infertility and cyclic pelvic pain. Endometrial tissue is found on the ovaries and pelvic peritoneum. Which hormone primarily stimulates growth of this tissue? Ectopic endometrial tissue in endometriosis is estrogen-dependent, just like normal endometrium.
- Progesterone
- Oestrogen
- Testosterone
- Prolactin
- Cortisol
Answer: B.