Anatomy

Retroperitoneal Space

An area occupying the most posterior aspect of the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. It is bounded laterally by the borders of the quadratus lumborum muscles and extends from the DIAPHRAGM to the brim of the true PELVIS, where it continues as the pelvic extraperitoneal space.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

An area occupying the most posterior aspect of the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. It is bounded laterally by the borders of the quadratus lumborum muscles and extends from the DIAPHRAGM to the brim of the true PELVIS, where it continues as the pelvic extraperitoneal space.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

Knowledge Graph

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Retroperitoneal Spaces
  • Space, Retroperitoneal
  • Spaces, Retroperitoneal

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

16 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, diagnostic imaging, embryology, growth & development, injuries, innervation, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

usually NIM as locational; diagnostic retropneumoperitoneum or pneumoretroperitoneum: index RETROPERITONEAL SPACE /diag image + PNEUMORADIOGRAPHY (do not confuse with the pathological condition, RETROPNEUMOPERITONEUM)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A01.923w.047w.025w.750w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WI 575

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Retroperitoneal Space. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012187. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012187
  2. Retroperitoneal Space. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retroperitoneal_space
  3. Retroperitoneal Space. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q577238