Structure
The peritoneum is a complex, continuous serous membrane consisting of a layer of mesothelium and varying degrees of connective and adipose tissue. Visually, it’s largely unremarkable, smooth, and has a lubricated surface due to the presence of peritoneal fluid.
Anatomical Relations
The paravesical fossa is shallow space that lies between the bladder and the anterolateral pelvic wall on each side. These fossae are limited laterally by the peritoneal fold overlaying the round ligament (female) or ductus deferens (male) and continues as the parietal peritoneum of the anterolateral abdominal wall. The fossae are limited medially by the peritoneum reflected over the bladder. Posteriorly, the paravesical fossae are separated from the pararectal fossae on the ipsilateral side by the ureter. In females, it’s also separated by the double peritoneal fold that forms the broad ligament. The obturator canal opens inferior into the paravesical fossae.
Function
The paravesical fossa is usually shallow although its depth is variable and is affected by the degree of distension of the bladder (Standring, 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
- Ascites
- Adhesions
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
