Retroperitoneum — the anatomical space behind the peritoneal cavity, between the posterior parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, housing the great vessels, kidneys and other structures that surgeons must recognise and protect during abdominal and pelvic procedures.
| Tissue | Layer/Position | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Peritoneum | Anterior boundary | Translucent membrane forming the front wall of the space |
| Muscle | Posterior and lateral boundary | Psoas major and quadratus lumborum of the posterior wall |
| Fascia | Compartmentalising planes | Transversalis and renal (Gerota's) fascia that divide the space |
| Retroperitoneal fat | Filling | Adipose tissue packing around the organs and vessels |
| Blood vessel | Central great vessels | Abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava with their branches |
| Pancreas | Contained organ | A representative retroperitoneal organ |
Sources consulted for this page but not cited at a specific claim:
Retroperitoneum simulation is incorporated in:
