Topographic formations of the pelvis

From WikiLectures

Topographic formations are spaces that are bounded by given anatomical structures and are important for locating other anatomical structures - typically nerves, arteries and veins. More information can be found on the pages of specific structures. In the pelvic area, we describe the following topographic formations:

Ischioanal fossa[edit | edit source]

It is located lateral to the rectum. Its contents are the corpus adiposum fossae ischioanalis and the below mentioned canalis pudendalis, or the pudendal canal of Alcock.

Pudendal canal[edit | edit source]

Also called Alcock's canal, it is located dorsal to the iliococcygeus muscle and on the medial side of the obturator internus muscle. A nerve runs through the channel, after which the topographical place is named - pudendal nerve. We also mention it in topographic formations of the lower limb.

Peritoneal processes[edit | edit source]

Rectouterine pouch[edit | edit source]

Also called space of Douglas, found only in women . This is the deepest point of the peritoneal cavity when standing, so fluid and other pathological contents can accumulate here. The space is palpable during rectal examination.

Vesicouterine pouch[edit | edit source]

It is found only in women.

Rectovesical pouch[edit | edit source]

Also called Proust's space , it is only found in men. The deepest point of the peritoneal cavity in a man.

Trigone of the pelvic floor[edit | edit source]

Urogenital triangle[edit | edit source]

Front triangle

Anal triangle[edit | edit source]

Back triangle

Organ topographic formations[edit | edit source]

Trigone of the urinary bladder[edit | edit source]

Triangular field on the dorsal side of the urinary bladder. The border is formed by the junction between the mouths of the ureters and the urethra.

Spermatic cord[edit | edit source]

Although it is not a typical topographic formation, but rather a bundle of anatomical structures, we present it here as well.