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 login to view 4 more bullets "SAD PUCKER" mnemonic of retroperitoneal structures login to view 9 more bullets