Anatomy · MU Sofia

Topographic · 253. Retroperitoneal space

Explains where the retroperitoneal space lies behind the peritoneum, what fills it, and how it connects above with the posterior inferior mediastinum and below with the subperitoneal space of the pelvis. Sets out its ventral, dorsal, cranial and caudal boundaries with a labelled picture, then lists primary and secondary retroperitoneal organs, including the suprarenal glands, kidneys, great vessels and parts of the duodenum, pancreas and colon.

Inside: 3 sections · 1 labelled picture · 14 flashcards · 2 min

Topic 230 of 264 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Anatomy (Dental Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 3 sections, about 221 words (2 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.

In this note

  1. RETROPEROTINEAL SPACE
  2. Boundaries
  3. Content

RETROPEROTINEAL SPACE

The retroperitoneal space is located in the dorsal part of the abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum. It is filled with loose connective and contains organs, vessels and nerves. It communicates cranially with the posterior inferior mediastinum through the apertures of the diaphragm and it continues caudally as the subperitoneal space of the pelvic cavity.

Boundaries

  1. 1 Ventrally: parietal peritoneum
  2. 2 Dorsally: parietal abdominal fascia (fascia endoabdominalis)
  3. 3 Cranially: connected with the posterior inferior mediastinum
  4. 4 Caudally: continous with the subperitoneal space

Content

  1. 1 Primary retroperitoneal organs:
  2. 1.1 Suprarenal glands
  3. 1.2 Kidneys and their covers
  4. 1.3 Ureters
  5. 1.4 Abdominal aorta and its branches
  6. 1.5 Inferior vena cava and its tributaries
  7. 1.6 Sympathetic trunks and their branches
  8. 1.7 Abdominal aortic plexus (autonomic plexus)
  9. 1.8 Lumbar plexus
  10. 1.9 Cisterna chyli, lumbar trunks and lumbar lymph nodes
  11. 2 Secondary retroperitoneal organs:
  12. 2.1 Duodenum (all parts expect for the ampulla / duodenal cap)
  13. 2.2 Pancreas (head, body)
  14. 2.3 Ascending colon
  15. 2.4 Descending colon

Retroperitoneal organs, posterior view

The retroperitoneal space lies posterior to the parietal peritoneum and anterior to the anterior fascia of the posterior abdominal wall. It contains vital abdominal organs and plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions such as kidney stones, renal tumors, pancreatitis, and adrenal gland disorders 1. Additionally, bleeding from blood vessels or structures in th space can lead to a retroperitoneal hemorrhag

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