Vesicouterine excavation
Encyclopedia
In human female anatomy
, the vesicouterine excavation (or uterovesical pouch of Meiring) 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. Also termed Dunn's pouch, this is an important anatomical landmark for chronic endometriosis. Endometrial seeding in this region causes cyclical pain in women of child bearing age. Dunn's pouch is also an important factor in retroversion of the uterus, which can frequently complicate pregnancies.
The vesicouterine excavation is close to the anterior fornix of the vagina.
Human anatomy
Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the human body. Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy is the study of anatomical structures that can be seen by the naked eye...
, the vesicouterine excavation (or uterovesical pouch of Meiring) is a second, but shallower, pouch formed from the peritoneum
Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity or the coelom — it covers most of the intra-abdominal organs — in amniotes and some invertebrates...
over the uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
and bladder
Urinary bladder
The urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine excreted by the kidneys before disposal by urination. A hollow muscular, and distensible organ, the bladder sits on the pelvic floor...
, continued over the intestinal surface and fundus of the uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
onto its vesical surface, which it covers as far as the junction of the body and cervix uteri, and then to the bladder. Also termed Dunn's pouch, this is an important anatomical landmark for chronic endometriosis. Endometrial seeding in this region causes cyclical pain in women of child bearing age. Dunn's pouch is also an important factor in retroversion of the uterus, which can frequently complicate pregnancies.
The vesicouterine excavation is close to the anterior fornix of the vagina.