Is the duodenum retroperitoneal?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine, is located behind the peritoneum (a membrane lining the abdominal cavity). This indicates a request for anatomical knowledge regarding the position of the duodenum in relation to the peritoneal cavity.
Answer
Except for its first segment, the duodenum is retroperitoneal.
Except for its first segment, the duodenum is retroperitoneal.
Answer for screen readers
Except for its first segment, the duodenum is retroperitoneal.
More Information
The duodenum is part of the small intestine and is crucial for digestion as it receives chyme from the stomach as well as bile and pancreatic juices for further breakdown of food.
Tips
A common mistake is to consider the entire duodenum as either completely retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal; knowing its different segments is important.
Sources
- Duodenum | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org - radiopaedia.org
- Duodenal Anatomy - Medscape Reference - emedicine.medscape.com
- Duodenum - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
