Overview retroperitoneal structures Labeled structures duodenum (2nd, 3rd, 4th parts) descending colon ascending colon kidneys left kidney sits at spinal cord level T12-L3, right kidney slightly inferior renal arteries take off aorta at L1 pancreas (minus tail) aorta inferior vena cava (IVC) formed at L4-L5 where common iliac veins come together Not shown in diagram suprarenal glands aka adrenal glands ureters esophagus (lower 2/3) rectum (upper 2/3) "SAD PUCKER" mnemonic of retroperitoneal structures Suprarenal glands (aka adrenal glands) Aorta and IVC Duodenum Pancreas Ureters Colon (descending, ascending) Kidneys Esophagus Rectum