Which peritoneal space is located superior to the liver?

Which peritoneal space is located superior to the liver?

• A. Lesser sac
• B. Prevesical space
• C. Subphrenic space
• D. Pouch of Douglas

Answer: (C)

The subphrenic space is the correct answer because it refers to the potential space located between the diaphragm and the liver. In an anatomical context, it is divided into two subphrenic spaces: right and left, which are situated superior to the liver. These spaces can collect fluid and are significant in various medical conditions, especially in the presence of infections, abscesses, or post-surgical complications. The lesser sac, while also a peritoneal space, is located posterior to the stomach and extends laterally to the spleen, but it does not occupy a position superior to the liver. The prevesical space lies anterior to the urinary bladder and is not aligned with the liver at all. The pouch of Douglas, also known as the rectouterine pouch in females, is found posterior to the uterus and anterior to the rectum, well below the liver. Therefore, none of these spaces is positioned above the liver.

The subphrenic space is the correct answer because it refers to the potential space located between the diaphragm and the liver. In an anatomical context, it is divided into two subphrenic spaces: right and left, which are situated superior to the liver. These spaces can collect fluid and are significant in various medical conditions, especially in the presence of infections, abscesses, or post-surgical complications.

The lesser sac, while also a peritoneal space, is located posterior to the stomach and extends laterally to the spleen, but it does not occupy a position superior to the liver. The prevesical space lies anterior to the urinary bladder and is not aligned with the liver at all. The pouch of Douglas, also known as the rectouterine pouch in females, is found posterior to the uterus and anterior to the rectum, well below the liver. Therefore, none of these spaces is positioned above the liver.