Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Arteries and nerves of sigmoid colon and rectum, right anterolateral view

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Image #161-5

Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Arteries and nerves of sigmoid colon and rectum, right anterolateral view

The sigmoid mesocolon has been dissected and the rectum and sigmoid colon have been retracted anteriorly and to the left. Peritoneum has been removed from the right surface of the rectum.

1. Superior rectal artery
2. Strand of inferior mesenteric plexus (note other nerve filaments interlaced among branches of arteries)
3. Promontory
4. External iliac artery (cut off)
5. Internal iliac artery
6. Superior hypogastric plexus
7. Parietal pelvic fascia
8. Superior branches rectal artery
9. Rectum (longitudinal layer of muscular tunic)
10. Ampulla of rectum
11. Vagina
12. Uterus
13. Urinary bladder
14. Pubic symphysis
15. Sigmoid artery
16. Fascia overlying external iliac vessels and lymph nodes
17. Sigmoid colon