Define retroperitoneal and name the retroperitoneal organs of the digestive system.
Question:
Define retroperitoneal and name the retroperitoneal organs of the digestive system.
Peritoneum:
The peritoneum is a serous membrane that covers many organs located in the abdomen. These organs invaginate into the peritoneum during fetal development.
Answer and Explanation: 1
Retroperitoneal refers to visceral organs that are not covered by the peritoneum of the abdomen. These are organs located in the posterior region of the abdomen that did not invaginate into the peritoneum during fetal development. Retroperitoneal organs of the digestive system are the distal aspects of the duodenum, ascending and descending large intestine, the middle portion of the rectum, and distal aspect of the pancreas.
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Chapter 21 / Lesson 2Understand the retroperitoneal cavity and the organs within the retroperitoneum. Find out a mnemonic device to remember the organs of the retroperitoneal space.