Recto-uterine pouch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Recto-uterine pouch
Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment. (Excavatio recto-uterina labeled at bottom right.)
Median sagittal section of female pelvis. (Rectouterine excavation labeled at center left.)
Latin excavatio rectouterina, cavum douglassi, fossa douglasi
Gray's p.1152
MeSH Douglas'+Pouch

The rectouterine pouch (or rectouterine excavation, rectovaginal, Ehrhardt-Cole Recess, cul-de-sac, cavum Douglasi or Pouch of Douglas) is the extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and the posterior wall of the uterus in the female human body.

Structure and physiology[edit]

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.

It is normal to have approximately 1 to 3 ml in the recto-uterine pouch throughout the menstrual cycle.[1] After ovulation there is between 4 and 5 ml of fluid in the recto-uterine pouch.[1]

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.)


The rectouterine pouch, being the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity in a woman at supine position, is a common site for the spread of pathology such as ascites, tumour, endometriosis, pus, etc.

Naming and etymology[edit]

It is also known by the names Douglas pouch, Douglas cavity, Douglas space and Douglas cul-de-sac.[2]

It is named after the Scottish anatomist Dr. 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.


A culdotomy incision or needle puncture of this "cul-de-sac" pouch by way of the vagina.

Clinical significance[edit]

As it is the furthest-most point of the abdominopelvic cavity in women, it is a site where infection and fluids typically collect.[3]


Additional images[edit]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ a b Ovary and ultrasound: from physiology to disease. F.M. Severi, C. Bocchi, S. Vannuccini, F. Petraglia. Archives of Perinatal Medicine 18(1), 7-19, 2012.
  2. ^ synd/2937 at Who Named It?
  3. ^ Drake, RL (2010). Gray's Anatomy for Students. Churchill Livingstone. p. 460. 

External links[edit]