Which cavity contains stomach, small intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, most of the large intestine, and the kidneys in a retroperitoneal space?

Which cavity contains stomach, small intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, most of the large intestine, and the kidneys in a retroperitoneal space?

• A. Abdominal Cavity
• B. Pelvic Cavity
• C. Pleural Cavity
• D. Thoracic Cavity

Answer: (A)

Think about where these organs sit inside the body and how they relate to the peritoneum. The retroperitoneal space is located behind the lining that covers most of the abdominal organs. The kidneys are the classic retroperitoneal organs, and parts of other organs in that region share that space behind the peritoneum. The rest of the listed organs—the stomach, small intestine, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and most of the large intestine—are all located in the abdominal cavity. The pelvic cavity contains lower urinary and reproductive organs, while the pleural and thoracic cavities hold the lungs and heart. So the abdominal cavity is the correct home for these structures.

Think about where these organs sit inside the body and how they relate to the peritoneum. The retroperitoneal space is located behind the lining that covers most of the abdominal organs. The kidneys are the classic retroperitoneal organs, and parts of other organs in that region share that space behind the peritoneum. The rest of the listed organs—the stomach, small intestine, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and most of the large intestine—are all located in the abdominal cavity. The pelvic cavity contains lower urinary and reproductive organs, while the pleural and thoracic cavities hold the lungs and heart. So the abdominal cavity is the correct home for these structures.