Topographic formations of the pelvis
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.