Retroperitoneal Structures

Overview

image 2022 09 10T130637.041

  • Labeled structures 
    • duodenum (2nd, 3rd, 4th parts)
    • descending colon
    • ascending colon
    • kidneys
      • left kidney sits at spinal cord level T12-L3, right kidney slightly inferior
      • renal arteries take off aorta at L1
    • pancreas (minus tail) 
    • aorta
    • inferior vena cava (IVC)
      • formed at L4-L5 where common iliac veins come together  
  • Not shown in diagram
    • suprarenal glands aka adrenal glands
    • ureters
    • esophagus (lower 2/3)
    • rectum (upper 2/3)
  • “SAD PUCKER” mnemonic of retroperitoneal structures
    • Suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands)
    • Aorta and IVC
    • Duodenum
    • Pancreas
    • Ureters
    • Colon (descending, ascending)
    • Kidneys
    • Esophagus
    • Rectum