Retroperitoneal space

Retroperitoneal space
Transverse section, showing the relations of the capsule of the kidney. (Peritoneum is labeled at center right.)
Human kidneys viewed from behind with spine removed
Details
Identifiers
Latin	spatium retroperitoneale
Dorlands /Elsevier	s_16/12746619
TA	A10.1.01.002
FMA	15080
Anatomical terminology []

The retroperitoneal space (retroperitoneum) is the anatomical space (sometimes a potential space) in the abdominal cavity behind (retro) 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.

The retroperitoneum can be further subdivided into the following:

Structures that lie behind the peritoneum are termed "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.

Bounded by the anterior and posterior leafs of the renal fascia. It contains the following structures:

Bounded by the posterior layer of peritoneum and the anterior leaf of the renal fascia. It contains the following structures:

Bounded by the posterior leaf of the renal fascia and the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall. It contains only fat.

Bleeding from a blood vessel or structure in the retroperitoneal such as the aorta or inferior vena cava into the retroperitoneal space can lead to a retroperitoneal hemorrhage.