Which two layers comprise the peritoneum and contribute to mesenteries that suspend intraperitoneal organs?

• A. Mucosa and submucosa
• B. Parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum
• C. Serosa and adventitia
• D. Endothelium and lamina propria

Answer: (B)

The peritoneum is made of two continuous membranes: the parietal peritoneum that lines the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum that covers the organs. These layers are connected by folds that form mesenteries, which suspend intraperitoneal organs and provide a route for vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. This is why the parietal and visceral peritoneum are the correct pairing. The other options describe different tissue layers not forming the peritoneal lining: mucosa and submucosa are layers of the GI tract wall; serosa and adventitia refer to outer coverings around organs rather than the two peritoneal layers; endothelium and lamina propria are parts of the mucosa.