What is the pelvic peritoneum?

The pelvic peritoneum is a continuation of the abdominal peritoneum that drapes over the pelvic organs. Its arrangement differs between males and females, forming characteristic pouches between viscera like the bladder, rectum, and uterus.

How does the peritoneum differ between male and female pelvises?

In males, it forms a rectovesical pouch between the bladder and rectum. In females, it covers the uterus and vagina, creating both a uterovesical pouch (anteriorly) and a deeper rectouterine pouch (posteriorly).

What is the rectovesical pouch?

The rectovesical pouch is a shallow peritoneal recess formed in males where the peritoneum reflects from the posterior surface of the urinary bladder onto the anterior surface of the rectum.

What pouches does the peritoneum form in the female pelvis?

In females, it forms two key pouches: the uterovesical pouch between the bladder and uterus, and the rectouterine pouch (of Douglas) between the uterus/vagina and rectum, which is deeper.

Which pelvic organs are covered by the peritoneum?

It covers the superior and posterior surfaces of the urinary bladder, parts of the rectum, and in females, the uterus and vagina. In males, it also covers the seminal vesicles.

Why is understanding the pelvic peritoneum important for anatomy?

It helps visualize how organs are positioned and related in the pelvis, with pouches that have clinical relevance (e.g., for fluid accumulation or surgical access). The differences between sexes are key for reproductive and urinary system studies.

Pelvic Peritoneum – Rectovesical & Rectouterine Pouches