What is the name given for the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity is known as ascites. This condition typically occurs due to issues such as liver cirrhosis, heart failure, or other medical conditions that lead to increased pressure in the veins or low protein levels in the body. Ascites is characterized by abdominal swelling, discomfort, and sometimes difficulty breathing if the fluid accumulation is significant.

Hydrocele refers to the accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, specifically around the testicles, and is not related to the abdominal cavity. Edema is a broader term that describes swelling caused by fluid retention in tissues, which can occur anywhere in the body, not just in the peritoneal cavity. Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease that can lead to ascites but is not the term for the fluid itself. Therefore, the correct identification of the condition related to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity is ascites.