What anatomical structure does the parietal peritoneum line?

The parietal peritoneum is the serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity. It serves as a protective layer that separates the abdominal wall from the underlying abdominal organs. This structure is integral because it helps to maintain the position of the abdominal organs and provides a pathway for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics to reach these organs.

In contrast, the surface of the abdominal organs is lined by the visceral peritoneum, which envelops the organs themselves, serving a different function than the parietal peritoneum. The lungs and chest cavity are lined by a separate membrane called the pleura, which is not related to the peritoneum at all. The retroperitoneal space refers to the area behind the peritoneum where certain organs, such as the kidneys and pancreas, are located; thus, it is not directly lined by the parietal peritoneum either. This distinction clarifies the specific role and location of the parietal peritoneum within the abdominal cavity.