What does retroperitoneal in location mean?

(REH-troh-PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-um) The area in the back of the abdomen behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).

What is retroperitoneal kidney?

The kidneys are considered “retroperitoneal” organs, which means they sit behind a lining in the abdominal cavity, unlike all other abdominal organs.

What does retroperitoneal mean in medical terms?

Listen to pronunciation. (REH-troh-PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul) Having to do with the area outside or behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).

Where are the retroperitoneal lymph nodes located?

Your retroperitoneal lymph nodes are found in the area between your kidneys along a vein (your vena cava) and an artery (your aorta) (see Figure 1). Your vena cava carries blood to your heart. Your aorta carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

How serious is retroperitoneal?

Retroperitoneal inflammation is a serious condition that can have life-threatening consequences. Serious complications can arise when inflammation affects the organs in your abdomen, such as your abdominal aorta. This is the large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the lower half of your body.

What are the primary and secondary retroperitoneal structures?

The primary retroperitoneal structures are the adrenal glands, kidneys, ureters, inferior vena cava, and the rectum. Secondary retroperitoneal structures include the duodenum (except for the proximal first segment), the pancreas (head, neck and body), ascending colon, and descending colon.

What is the retroperitoneum?

The retroperitoneum, also called the retroperitoneal space or retroperitoneal cavity, is the area in the back of the abdomen behind the peritoneum. The retroperitoneum is divided into three main spaces anatomically, namely the anterior pararenal space, posterior pararenal space, and the perirenal space.

Which mnemonic can be used to summarize retroperitoneal organs?

The retroperitoneal organs mnemonic SAD PUCKER can be used to summarize retroperitoneal organs. S uprarental glands- also called adrenal glands, the suprarenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands that can be found on top of both kidneys.

What organs are in the retroperitoneal cavity?

The retroperitoneal space contains the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, nerve roots, lymph nodes, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava.