Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Interior of left side of pelvic cavity with peritoneum intact

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Image #161-4

Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Interior of left side of pelvic cavity with peritoneum intact

The uterus and bladder have been retracted toward the pubic symphysis to reveal the peritoneum lining the left half of the pelvic cavity. The rectouterine fold (5) is clearly visible extending laterally and superiorly from the uterus toward the sacrum. The ridge produced by the ureter (2) blends with the lateral part of the rectouterine fold.

1. Internal iliac artery
2. Position of left ureter (indicated by raised fold of peritoneum)
3. Obturator nerve
4. Articular surface of sacrum
5. Rectouterine fold (continuous inferiorly with broad ligament (11))
6. Rectum (longitudinal layer of muscle exposed)
7. Parietal pelvic fascia
8. Opening of uterus
9. Levator ani muscle (cut off)
10. Vagina
11. Broad ligament of uterus
12. Urinary bladder
13. Fundus of uterus
14. Pubic symphysis
15. Sigmoid colon
16. Mesosigmoid colon
17. Fimbria of uterine tube
18. Suspensory ligament of ovary (covered by peritoneum)
19. Ampulla of uterine tube
20. Position of external iliac vein (indicated on specimen by bluish area of peritoneum)
21. Left pointer: Ovary Right pointer: Mesovarium
22. Ovarian fossa
23. Ligamentum teres (of uterus)
24. Upper pointer: Uterine tube Lower pointer: Proper ovarian ligament