The Retroperitoneum

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What is the retroperitoneal space?
The retroperitoneal space is a potential anatomical space situated behind the posterior parietal peritoneum.

Name the retroperitoneal structures in the abdomen and pelvis.
The retroperitoneal structures include:
Kidneys
Adrenal glands
Ureters
Aorta
Inferior vena cava
Anal canal
Duodenum (excluding the first segment)
Ascending colon
Descending colon
Pancreas (excluding the tail)
What distinguishes a primary retroperitoneal organ from a secondary retroperitoneal organ?
Primary retroperitoneal organs were retroperitoneal during the entirety of embryological development, while secondary retroperitoneal organs were initially intraperitoneal and migrated to the retroperitoneum during development.

What are the three main compartments within the retroperitoneum and which structure is responsible for dividing them?
The three main compartments, divided by the perirenal fascia are:
Anterior pararenal space
Perirenal space
Posterior pararenal space

What is contained within the posterior pararenal space?
The posterior pararenal space contains pararenal fat.

What clinical signs might indicate a retroperitoneal hemorrhage?
Grey Turner’s sign – bruising of the flank
Cullen’s sign – periumbilical edema and bruising

Which lymph node groups are found within the retroperitoneum?
The inferior diaphragmatic nodes
The lumbar nodes