Rectouterine pouch 1663731 215720385 2008-05-29T12:14:54Z Thijs!bot 1392310 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]]&ndash;[[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]]