Location and Significance of the Peritoneal Cavity Spaces

subphrenic spaces - location and significant points

• inferior to the diaphragm

• divided into right and left

subhepatic spaces - location and significant points

• divided into right (anterior and posterior) and left

right subhepatic space location

between the right lobe of the liver and right kidney

posterior right subhepatic space also referred to as

morrison pouch

left subhepatic space location

between the left lobe of liver and stomach

retropubic space - location and significant points

• between the pubic bone and the urinary bladder

• also referred to as the space of retzius

lesser sac - location and significant points

• between the stomach and the pancreas

• common location for pancreatic pseudocysts

paracolic gutters - location and significant points

• extend alongside the ascending and descending colon on both sides of the abdomen

posterior cul-de-sac

• male: between the urinary bladder and rectum; also referred to as the rectovesical pouch

• female: between the uterus and rectum; also referred to as the pouch of Douglas and the rectouterine pouch

anterior cul-de-sac

• between the urinary bladder and uterus

• also called the vesicouterine pouch in females