Rectouterine pouch
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2008-05-29T12:14:54Z
Thijs!bot
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robot Adding: [[de:Douglas-Raum]]
{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = excavatio rectouterina, cavum douglassi, fossa douglasi |
GraySubject = 246 |
GrayPage = 1152 |
Image = WeiblichesBeckenMedian.gif |
Caption = Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment. (Pouch of Douglas labeled at bottom right.) |
Image2 = Gray1230.png |
Caption2 = Median sagittal section of female pelvis. (Rectouterine excavation labeled at center left.) |
System = |
Precursor = |
MeshName = Douglas'+Pouch |
MeshNumber = A01.047.025.600.225 |
DorlandsPre = e_18 |
DorlandsSuf = 12347073 |
}}
The '''rectouterine pouch''' (or '''rectouterine excavation''', or '''rectovaginal''') is the extension of the [[Peritoneum|peritoneal cavity]] between the [[rectum]] and back wall of the [[uterus]] in the female [[human body]].
In ''women'' it is the deepest point of the peritoneal cavity, posterior to (behind) the uterus and anterior to (in front of) rectum. (The pouch on the other side of the uterus is the [[vesicouterine excavation]].)
It is near the posterior [[fornix of the vagina]].
In men, the region corresponding to the rectouterine pouch is the [[Rectovesical excavation]], which lies between the [[urinary bladder]] and rectum. (There is no equivalent to the vesicouterine excavation.)
==Pathology==
The rectouterine pouch, being the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity in a woman who is standing, is a common site for the spread of pathology such as [[ascites]], [[tumour]], [[endometriosis]], [[pus]], etc.
==Naming/Etymology==
It is also known by the names '''Douglas pouch''', '''Douglas space''', '''Douglas cul-de-sac'''.<ref>{{WhoNamedIt|synd|2937}}</ref>
It is named after the [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[anatomist]] Dr [[James Douglas (physician)|James Douglas]] ([[1675]]–[[1742]]) who extensively explored this region of the female body. Three other nearby anatomical structures are also named for him - the [[Douglas fold]], the [[Douglas line]] and the [[Douglas septum]].
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray1035.png|The epiploic foramen, greater sac or general cavity (red) and lesser sac, or omental bursa (blue).
Image:Illu female pelvis.jpg|Illu female pelvis
</gallery>
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|rectouterine+pouch}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|02|03|00}} - "The Female Pelvis: Distribution of the Peritoneum in the Female Pelvis"
* {{SUNYAnatomyImage|9|6|10}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyImage|9|7|37}}
* {{MeshName|Douglas'+Pouch}}
* {{NormanAnatomy|peritoneum}}
* {{DartmouthHumanAnatomy|figures/chapter_35/35-8.HTM}}
* {{RocheLexicon|03281.000-2}}
{{Peritoneum}}
[[Category:Pelvis]]
[[de:Douglas-Raum]]
[[fr:Cul-de-sac de Douglas]]
[[nl:Holte van Douglas]]
[[ja:ダグラス窩]]
[[pl:Zatoka Douglasa]]