Retroperitoneal

The retroperitoneal space (retroperitoneum) is the anatomical space (sometimes a potential space) in the abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum. It has no specific delineating anatomical structures. Organs are retroperitoneal if they have peritoneum on their anterior side only. Structures that are not suspended by mesentery in the abdominal cavity and that lie between the parietal peritoneum and abdominal wall are classified as retroperitoneal. 

Organs that were once suspended within the abdominal cavity by mesentery but migrated posterior to the peritoneum during the course of embryogenesis to become retroperitoneal are considered to be secondarily retroperitoneal organs.

Primarily retroperitoneal:

• Urinary structures

  • adrenal glands

  • kidneys

  • ureter

• Circulatory structures

  • aorta

  • inferior vena cava

• Digestive structures

  • esophagus (thoracic part, part inside abdominal cavity is intraperitoneal)

  • rectum (part, lower third is extraperitoneal)