Pelvic peritoneum Flashcards
The rectovesical pouch is present in what gender
Males
Describe the rectovesical pouch
The peritoneum lining the lower part of the ant abdominal wall is reflected backwards to cover the upper surface of the urinary bladder.
The peritoneum is then reflected upwards and downwards above the seminal vesical forming the recess called rectovesical pouch.
The peritoneum is then reflected upwards to cover mid one third of the rectum and front and sides of upper one third of the rectum.
On each side of the rectum, the peritoneum lines a shallow depression called
Pararectal fossa
On each side of the urinary bladder, the peritoneum lines a shallow depression called
Paravesical fossa
In females there are 2 types of peritoneal recesses located in the pelvic cavity. What are they
Uterovesical pouch
Rectouterine pouch of Douglas
Describe how the uterovesical pouch is formed
The peritoneum lining the lower part of the ant abdominal wall is reflected backwards to cover the upper surface of the urinary bladder.
From the upper surface of the urinary bladder, the peritoneum passes backwards to the front of the uterus at the junction of the body with the cervix.
The peritoneum is then reflected forwards on the undersurface of the uterus forming the recess.
After the uterovesical pouch is formed, the peritoneum covers 4 surfaces and they include:
Ant surface of body of uterus
Fundus of uterus
Post surface of body of uterus and cervix
Post fornix of vagina
Describe how rectouterine pouch of Douglas is formed
After the peritoneum covers the 4 surfaces mentioned above, it is then reflected on the front of the mid one third of the rectum forming a deep recess called rectouterine pouch of Douglas and it lies 5.5cm above anal orifice.
Rectovesical pouch in males lie how many cm above anal orifice
7.5cm
Clinical correlates
Being the most dependable part of the peritoneal cavity, pus tends to collect there
Infected fluid mostly collects in the hepatorenal pouch. If the patient sits in an inclined position, the infected material can travel from the hepatorenal pouch to the rectovesical pouch in males or rectouterine ouch in females.
