Retroperitoneal
Retroperitoneal refers to the anatomical space in the abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum. It is a significant area in the field of medicine and surgery due to the vital organs it contains.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The retroperitoneal space is bounded by the posterior parietal peritoneum anteriorly and the posterior abdominal wall posteriorly. It contains important structures such as the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, duodenum and parts of the aorta and inferior vena cava.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
The retroperitoneal space is of clinical significance due to the vital organs it contains. Conditions such as retroperitoneal fibrosis, retroperitoneal hematoma and retroperitoneal abscess can occur in this space. These conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Retroperitoneal organs[edit | edit source]
The retroperitoneal organs include:
- Kidneys: These are bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the blood and produce urine.
- Adrenal glands: These are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
- Pancreas: This is a large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. The pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.
- Duodenum: This is the first part of the small intestine. It receives partially digested food (known as chyme) from the stomach and plays a vital role in the chemical digestion of chyme in preparation for absorption in the small intestine.
- Aorta: This is the main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries.
- Inferior vena cava: This is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart.
See also[edit | edit source]
- Peritoneum
- Abdominal cavity
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis
- Retroperitoneal hematoma
- Retroperitoneal abscess
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