Abstract:

　　Objective: To study the section anatomical features of the rectovaginal septum（RVS）,  and provide anatomic basis for treating gynecologic and anorectal diseases. Methods: 10 adult pelvic specimens were sliced into continuous transverse sections with the thickness of 0.5mm after treating with celloidin, and then, anatomic observation were performed and analyzed. Results: ①The anterior surface of RVS closed to the posterior vaginal wall, which led to a wide anterior rectal space, therefore, RVS can be regarded as the anterior boundary of rectum vaginal space. ② RVS gradually narrowed and compacted from up downward. The upper part of RVS began from the bottom of rectovaginal pouch and closed to the posterior vaginal wall, while the lower part of it reached the perineal central tendon and mixed to it, which is the anatomic reason why rectocele easily occurred at the upper part of RVS. Conclusions: RVS is the key structure not only to support the vagina and rectum, but also to keep stability of pelvic cavity, which is weak on the upper part. The repair operation of rectocele should be concerning with the repair of the perineal body and surrounding ligments.

Key words: rectovaginal septum (RVS), section anatomy, rectocele