What part of the duodenum is retroperitoneal?

Category: medical health digestive disorders
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The duodenum is a 25–38 cm (12-15 inch) C-shaped structure lying adjacent to the stomach. It is divided anatomically into four sections. The first part of the duodenum lies within the peritoneum but its other parts are retroperitoneal.



Likewise, people ask, which part of duodenum is intraperitoneal?

The jejunum and ileum are the distal two parts of the small intestine. In contrast to the duodenum, they are intraperitoneal. They are attached to the posterior abdominal wall by mesentery (a double layer of peritoneum). The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal flexure.

Similarly, what are the 4 parts of the duodenum? The duodenum is described as having four parts:
  • Part one, superior part (SD)
  • Part two, descending part (DD)
  • Part three, horizontal part (HD)
  • part four, ascending part (AD)

Beside above, which part of the duodenum is not retroperitoneal?

The duodenum begins at the duodenal bulb and ends at the ligament of Treitz, where it continues as the jejunum (this is often called the duodenojejunal (DJ) flexure). It is composed of four distinct parts and is neither wholly peritoneal nor retroperitoneal.

Where is the duodenum located?

Located inferior to the stomach, the duodenum is a 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) long C-shaped, hollow tube. The duodenum is a part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, attached to the pyloric sphincter of the stomach on its superior end and to the jejunum of the small intestine on its inferior end.

36 Related Question Answers Found

Is the duodenum on the right or left?

The third (horizontal) part (7.5 cm) runs from right to left in front of the IVC and aorta, with the superior mesenteric vessels (the vein on the right and the artery on the left) in front of it. The fourth (ascending) part (2.5 cm) continues as the jejunum.

Can you live without duodenum?

Most people can live without a stomach or large intestine, but it is harder to live without a small intestine. When all or most of the small intestine has to be removed or stops working, nutrients must be put directly into the blood stream (intravenous or IV) in liquid form.

Is the duodenum an organ?

The duodenum , the first and shortest section of the small intestine, is a key organ in the digestive system. The small intestine's most important function is to digest nutrients and pass them into the blood vessels—located in the intestinal wall—for absorption of the nutrients into the bloodstream.

Why is it called duodenum?

Duodenum - From its approximate length, this first part of the small intestine was called by the Greeks dodeka daktulon, meaning 12 fingers. It was translated into Arabic and ultimately emerged in Latin as duodenum in reference to its length. Ileum - comes from the Greek word eilos signifying twisted.

Where is the ileum located?


The ileum is the third and final part of the small intestine. It follows the jejunum and ends at the ileocecal junction, where the terminal ileum communicates with the cecum of the large intestine through the ileocecal valve.

What causes inflammation of the duodenum?

Duodenitis is inflammation occurring in the duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine. Severe illness and prolonged use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, or tobacco may also lead to duodenitis. Less commonly, Crohn's disease can cause duodenitis.

What causes pain in the duodenum?

The main cause of this damage is infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. The bacteria can cause the lining of your duodenum to become inflamed and an ulcer can form. Some medications can also cause a duodenal ulcer, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

What does the duodenum absorb?

Iron is absorbed in the duodenum. Folate (Vitamin B9) is absorbed in the duodenum and jejunum. Vitamin B12 and bile salts are absorbed in the terminal ileum. Water is absorbed by osmosis and lipids by passive diffusion throughout the small intestine.

What organ is not retroperitoneal?

Retroperitoneal structures include the rest of the duodenum, the ascending colon, the descending colon, the middle third of the rectum, and the remainder of the pancreas. Other organs located in the retroperitoneal space are the kidneys, adrenal glands, proximal ureters, and renal vessels.

What occurs in the duodenum?


The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. After foods mix with stomach acid, they move into the duodenum, where they mix with bile from the gallbladder and digestive juices from the pancreas. The absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients begins in the duodenum.

Are stomachs retroperitoneal?

The intraperitoneal organs are the stomach, spleen, liver, bulb of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon. The retroperitoneal organs are the remainder of the duodenum, the cecum and ascending colon, the descending colon, the pancreas, and the kidneys.

How long does it take to heal Duodenitis?

Duodenitis will usually heal with a six week course of acid suppression therapy using a proton pump inhibiting drug (Omeprazole, Esmoprazole etc) and eradication of Helicobacter Pylori (if present) with a week long course of two antibiotics in combination.

Where does the bile duct enter the duodenum?

The common bile duct passes through the pancreas before it empties into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lower part of the common bile duct joins the pancreatic duct to form a channel called the ampulla of Vater or it may enter the duodenum directly.

Is the esophagus retroperitoneal?

Esophagus is retroperitoneal in "Abdomen", not in "Thorax". Peritoneum is a word strictly used for abdomen. When it enters abdomen, it lies posteriorly in front of vertebral column. The abdominal aorta and IVC lie anterior to it.

How big is the duodenum?


The duodenum precedes the jejunum and ileum and is the shortest part of the small intestine. In humans, the duodenum is a hollow jointed tube about 25–38 cm (10–15 inches) long connecting the stomach to the jejunum. It begins with the duodenal bulb and ends at the suspensory muscle of duodenum.

Is duodenum part of colon?

The small bowel is part of the digestive system. It links the stomach to the large intestine, which is called the colon. The small bowel is divided into 3 parts: The duodenum.

What is duodenal cancer?

Duodenal cancer is a cancer in the first section of the small intestine known as the duodenum. Cancer of the duodenum is relatively rare compared to stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Its histology is usually adenocarcinoma. It is located between the stomach and the jejunum.