Definition

Located behind the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

Example

The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space.

Conversation

I just learned about the retroperitoneal space in anatomy class.

Oh really? What's that all about?

It's the area behind the peritoneum where some important organs are located.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know there was a special name for that space.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retroperitoneal → It is formed from "retro-" (meaning behind) and "peritoneal" (from "peritoneum", which comes from Greek "peritonaion", meaning to stretch around). The term refers to the anatomical space behind the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Memory Tip

Think of something located 'behind' ('retro-') the 'stretching around' ('peritoneum') lining of the abdomen — that's what retroperitoneal means.

Visually Confused Words