Zuckerkandl's fascia

Zuckerkandl's fascia is a term used in anatomy to refer to a specific layer of fascia found in the human body. Named after the Austrian anatomist Emil Zuckerkandl, this fascia is a significant anatomical landmark in several surgical procedures.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Zuckerkandl's fascia, also known as the pararenal fascia, is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the kidneys and the adrenal glands. It is part of the retroperitoneum, the anatomical space in the abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its location, Zuckerkandl's fascia is of particular importance in urology and nephrology. It is a key landmark in surgeries involving the kidneys or adrenal glands, such as nephrectomy (kidney removal) and adrenalectomy (adrenal gland removal). Understanding the anatomy of this fascia can help surgeons avoid complications during these procedures.

History[edit | edit source]

The fascia was named after Emil Zuckerkandl, a prominent Austrian anatomist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Zuckerkandl's contributions to anatomy extended beyond this fascia, and he is also known for his work on the Zuckerkandl's organ, an endocrine organ found in some mammals.