rectouterine

It forms the bottom of a deep pouch called the rectouterine excavation, which is bounded in front by the posterior wall of the uterus, the supravaginal cervix, and the posterior fornix of the vagina; behind, by the rectum; and laterally by two crescentic folds of peritoneum which pass backward from the cervix uteri on either side of the rectum to the posterior wall of the pelvis.

XI. Splanchnology. 3d. 3. The Uterus 1918

Behind, from below upward, are the anal canal, the rectum, and the rectouterine excavation.

XII. Surface Anatomy and Surface Markings. 10. Surface Markings of the Perineum 1918

In the female the height of the rectouterine excavation is about 5.5 cm. from the anal orifice.

XI. Splanchnology. 2h. The Large Intestine 1918

The rectovesical excavation is, however, divided by the uterus and vagina into a small anterior vesicouterine and a large, deep, posterior rectouterine excavation.

XI. Splanchnology. 2e. The Abdomen 1918

In the female the peritoneum is reflected from the rectum over the posterior vaginal fornix to the cervix and body of the uterus, forming the rectouterine excavation (pouch of Douglas).

XI. Splanchnology. 2e. The Abdomen 1918

Its posterior surface is separated from the rectum by the rectouterine excavation in its upper fourth, and by the rectovesical fascia in its middle two-fourths; the lower fourth is separated from the anal canal by the perineal body.

XI. Splanchnology. 3d. 4. The Vagina 1918

These folds are named the sacrogenital or rectouterine folds.

XI. Splanchnology. 3d. 3. The Uterus 1918

Posteriorly, the supravaginal cervix is covered by peritoneum, which is prolonged below on to the posterior vaginal wall, when it is reflected on to the rectum, forming the rectouterine excavation.

XI. Splanchnology. 3d. 3. The Uterus 1918