The pararectal fossa (or pararectal pouch) is an inferior-ward extension of the peritoneum on either side of the rectum. It is formed by a (
sacrogenital) fold of peritoneum extending inferior-ward from the posterolateral pelvic wall. It represents a lateral extension of the
rectouterine pouch
The rectouterine pouch (recto-uterine pouch), pouch of Douglas, or rectovaginal pouch is the extension of the peritoneum between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus in the human female. Its anterior boundary is formed by the posterior f ...
in the female, and of
rectovesical pouch
The rectovesical pouch is the pocket that lies between the rectum and the bladder in males in humans and other mammals. It is lined by peritoneum.
Structure
The rectovesical pouch is a space between the rectum and the bladder in men. It lies ab ...
in the male.
It varies in size with the distension of the rectum.
In females, the pararectal fossae often represent the inferior-most portion of the
peritoneal cavity
The peritoneal cavity is a potential space between the parietal peritoneum (the peritoneum that surrounds the abdominal wall) and visceral peritoneum (the peritoneum that surrounds the internal organs). The parietal and visceral peritonea are lay ...
(sometimes, the inferior-most portion is instead
rectouterine pouch
The rectouterine pouch (recto-uterine pouch), pouch of Douglas, or rectovaginal pouch is the extension of the peritoneum between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus in the human female. Its anterior boundary is formed by the posterior f ...
).
External links
* - "The Female Pelvis: Distribution of the Peritoneum in the Female Pelvis"
References
Abdomen
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