The subphrenic recess separates the diaphragmatic surface of the liver from the diaphragm and is divided into right and left areas by the falciform ligament, a structure derived from the ventral mesentery in the embryo.
The hepatorenal recess is a part of the peritoneal cavity on the right side between the liver and the right kidney and right suprarenal gland.
The subphrenic and hepatorenal recesses are continuous anteriorly.