What does retroperitoneal describe?

Retroperitoneal refers to structures or organs that are situated behind the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This anatomical term is significant in medical contexts, as it describes the location of various important organs, such as the kidneys, adrenal glands, and parts of the aorta and inferior vena cava. Understanding this term is essential for proper identification and discussion of organ systems, diagnostics, and surgical procedures.

The other options do not accurately describe the retroperitoneal space. For instance, being located in the chest refers to thoracic organs, which are not within the retroperitoneal space. Similarly, being located within the pelvic cavity pertains to a different anatomical area below the abdomen, and the term describing a type of inflammation is unrelated to the anatomical positioning implied by retroperitoneal.