Retroperitoneum

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The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and wraps the abdominal and pelvic organs (visceral peritoneum). The retroperitoneum is a potential anatomical space located posterior to the peritoneal cavity and anterior to the posterior abdominal wall. It contains several organs which, due to their location behind the parietal peritoneum, are referred to as the retroperitoneal organs. These organs are part of several body systems including the urinary, circulatory, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. The retroperitoneum can be divided into three individual spaces. These spaces are the:

• Anterior pararenal space
• Posterior pararenal space
• Perirenal space

This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the retroperitoneum.

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Summary