Extraperitoneal space explained

Extraperitoneal space
Latin:	spatium extraperitoneale

The extraperitoneal space is the portion of the abdomen and pelvis which does not lie within the peritoneum.

It includes:

• Retroperitoneal space, situated posteriorly to the peritoneum
• Preperitoneal space, situated anteriorly to the peritoneum
  • Retropubic space, deep to the pubic bone
  • Retro-inguinal space, deep to the inguinal ligament

The space in the pelvis is divided into the following components:^[1]

• prevesical space
• perivesical space
• perirectal space

See also

• Retropubic space
• Rectovesical pouch
• Vesicouterine pouch
• Rectouterine pouch (Pouch of Douglas)

Notes and References

1. O'Connell AM, Duddy L, Lee C, Lee MJ . CT of pelvic extraperitoneal spaces: an anatomical study in cadavers . Clinical Radiology . 62 . 5 . 432–8 . 2007 . 17398268 . 10.1016/j.crad.2006.11.012.