Abdomen: retroperitoneum: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Abdomen: retroperitoneum

Sample item

Which organ is retroperitoneal rather than intraperitoneal?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Kidney

The kidneys are retroperitoneal, lying behind the peritoneal cavity. The spleen and jejunum are intraperitoneal, while the transverse colon is usually intraperitoneal through its mesocolon.

Option by option

  • A. Jejunum

    Jejunum is suspended by mesentery.

  • B. Transverse colon

    Transverse colon is typically intraperitoneal.

  • C. Spleen

    Spleen is intraperitoneal in the left upper quadrant.

  • D. Kidney (correct)

    Correct. Kidney is a primary retroperitoneal organ.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Kidney. The kidneys are retroperitoneal, lying behind the peritoneal cavity.

Why is "Jejunum" not the answer?

Jejunum is suspended by mesentery.

Why is "Transverse colon" not the answer?

Transverse colon is typically intraperitoneal.

Why is "Spleen" not the answer?

Spleen is intraperitoneal in the left upper quadrant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen: retroperitoneum in Anatomy. The spleen and jejunum are intraperitoneal, while the transverse colon is usually intraperitoneal through its mesocolon.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Abdomen: retroperitoneum?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.