Rectouterine pouch

Rectouterine pouch

The Rectouterine pouch also known as Douglas's Pouch or Douglas' Space is the deepest point of the female peritoneal cavity. It is located between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus in the human female body.

Etymology

The term "Rectouterine pouch" is derived from its location - between the rectum and the uterus. It is also named after the Scottish anatomist, James Douglas, who made significant contributions to the field of human anatomy in the 18th century.

Anatomy

The Rectouterine pouch is a part of the female peritoneal cavity. It is located posterior to the uterus and anterior to the rectum. It is the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity, and thus, fluid often accumulates here. The pouch is lined by peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue that also lines the abdominal cavity and most of the organs in the abdomen.

Clinical significance

The Rectouterine pouch is clinically significant as it is a common site for the accumulation of pathological fluids, such as blood in hemoperitoneum, pus in pyoperitoneum, or ascitic fluid in ascites. It can also be involved in conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

See also

• Pouch of Douglas
• Rectovesical pouch
• Peritoneal cavity

References

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External links

• Rectouterine pouch at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the female pelvis
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  Illustration of the female pelvis