Extraperitoneal space

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:

• prevesical space
• perivesical space
• perirectal space

See also

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