Retroperitoneal structures and GI ligaments By: Muthanna Al-lami

objectives Introduction The retroperitoneal structures Mnemonics Gastrointestinal ligaments Peritoneal sacs References

introduction The retroperitoneal space (retroperitoneum) is the anatomical space (sometimes a potential space) in the abdominal cavity behind (retro) the peritoneum. Organs are retroperitoneal if they have peritoneum on their anterior side only Retroperitoneal structures include GI structures that lack a mesentery and non-GI structures. Injuries to retroperitoneal structures can cause blood or gas accumulation in retroperitoneum.

The structures

The structures

Mnemonic SAD PUCKER" mnemonic of retroperitoneal structure Suprarenal glands (adrenal glands) Aorta and IVC Duodenum Pancreas(except tail) Ureters Colon (descending, ascending) Kidneys Esophagus(thoracic portion) Rectum(partially)

Gastrointestinal ligaments The peritoneal ligaments are double layers of peritoneum that pass from one organ to another or from an organ to one of the abdominal walls.

Peritoneal sacs

The peritoneal cavity can be divided into the greater and lesser peritoneal sacs. The greater sac comprises the majority of the peritoneal cavity. The lesser sac (also known as the omental bursa) is smaller and lies posterior to the stomach and lesser omentum

Gastrocolic

The ligaments Falciform : connects the Liver to anterior abdominal wall It conains ligamentum teres hepatis (derivative of fetal umbilical vein). Hepatoduodenal : connects the Liver to the duodenum It contains portal triad : proper hepatic artery, portal vein, common bile duct. *Pringle maneuver—ligament may be compressed between thumb and index finger placed in omental foramen to control bleeding Gastrohepati: connects the Liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach It contains gastric arteries It separates the greater and lesser sacs on the right and it is a part of lesser omentum .

Gastrocolic : connects greater curvature transverse colon It contains gastroepiploic arteries It is a part of greater omentum Gastrosplenic : connects greater curvature and spleen it contains short gastric arteris, left gastroepiploic vessels It separates greater and lesser sacs on the left and it is a Part of greater omentum . Splenorenal : connects the spleen to posterior abdominal wall It contains the splenic artery and vein, tail of pancreas

References first-aid-for-the-usmle-step1-2017 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-peritoneum/ https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/areas/peritoneum/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/674679

Thank you