Which peritoneal pouch lies between the uterus and the rectum?

Which peritoneal pouch lies between the uterus and the rectum?

• A. Vesicouterine pouch
• B. Omental bursa
• C. Rectouterine pouch
• D. Subphrenic space

Answer: (C)

The space between the uterus and the rectum is the rectouterine pouch, also known as the pouch of Douglas. In the female peritoneal cavity, this recess is formed where peritoneum drapes from the uterus to the rectum and, when upright, is the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity. That position makes it a common site for fluid accumulation and a clinically important area for procedures like culdocentesis. By contrast, the vesicouterine pouch sits between the bladder and uterus, the omental bursa is the lesser sac behind the stomach, and the subphrenic spaces lie superior to the liver under the diaphragm.

The space between the uterus and the rectum is the rectouterine pouch, also known as the pouch of Douglas. In the female peritoneal cavity, this recess is formed where peritoneum drapes from the uterus to the rectum and, when upright, is the lowest part of the peritoneal cavity. That position makes it a common site for fluid accumulation and a clinically important area for procedures like culdocentesis. By contrast, the vesicouterine pouch sits between the bladder and uterus, the omental bursa is the lesser sac behind the stomach, and the subphrenic spaces lie superior to the liver under the diaphragm.