Vesico-uterine pouch


In human female anatomy, the vesico-uterine pouch, also known by [|various other names], is a second but shallower pouch formed from the peritoneum over the uterus and bladder, continued over the intestinal surface and fundus of the uterus onto its vesical surface, which it covers as far as the junction of the body and cervix uteri, and then to the bladder. This pouch is an important anatomical landmark for chronic endometriosis. Endometrial seeding in this region causes cyclical pain in women of child-bearing age. This pouch is also an important factor in a retroverted uterus, which can frequently complicate pregnancies.
The vesico-uterine pouch is close to the anterior fornix of the vagina.

Naming and etymology

The vesico-uterine pouch is also called the vesico-uterine excavation, utero-vesical pouch, or excavatio vesicouterina. The combining forms reflect the bladder and uterus.

Additional images