Definition - What does Retroperitoneal mean?
Retroperitoneal is a medical term that refers to that location in the body that is behind or external the peritoneum. Organs that are attached to the posterior abdominal wall are retroperitoneal organs.
SureHire explains Retroperitoneal
An anatomic orientation term, retroperitoneal refers to that portion of the abdomen that is outside, or behind, the peritoneal lining. The peritoneum is a membrance that encases most of the abdominal organs in a sack-like structure. Those organs outside or behind this tissue are retroperitoneal organs. These organs are outside, or retroperitoneal, to the peritoneam and only partially covered by the visceral peritoneum. Major organs that are retroperitoneal include the kidneys, bladder, pancreas, portions of the colon, and the adrenal glands. The inferior vena cava and aorta are also housed in the retroperitoneal abdominal space.
