Pouch of Douglas

The Pouch of Douglas is the extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus in the female human body. It is also known by the names Douglas pouch, Douglas space, Douglas cul-de-sac, cavum douglassi, rectouterine pouch, excavatio rectouterina, and fossa douglasi. In women it is the deepest point of the peritoneum, behind the uterus and in front of rectum. The corresponding region in men is the Excavatio rectoversicalis between the urinary bladder and rectum.

The Douglas pouch is named after the Scottish anatomist Dr James Douglas (1675–1742) who extensively explored this region of the female body. Three other nearby anatomical structures are also named for him.

His research was followed up closely by that of another prominent Scot, Dr L. Maddox (1692-1751), a native of the Isle of Skye, who pondered as to what other possible physiological purposes the Pouch of Douglas might serve. Although his study of the subject was extensive, it was unfortunately inconclusive, being somewhat vitiated by his numerous and rambling digressions on topics of little relevance.