Cul-de-sac

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Cul-de-sac

Cul-de-sac (pronounced: /ˈkʌldəˌsæk/), also known as a dead end or no outlet, is a term used in different contexts, including in the field of medicine. The term originates from the French phrase "cul-de-sac", which literally translates to "bottom of the bag".

In medicine, a cul-de-sac is a blind pouch or cavity that is closed at one end. It is often used to refer to the rectouterine pouch (also known as the Douglas' pouch or Douglas' cul-de-sac), which is the deepest point of the female peritoneal cavity.

Medical Usage

In the context of gynecology, the cul-de-sac is an important anatomical landmark. It is located between the posterior wall of the uterus and the rectum in females. This space can sometimes fill with fluid or blood, which can be a sign of various medical conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

In surgery, the cul-de-sac may be accessed for certain procedures, such as a culdocentesis, where a needle is inserted into the cul-de-sac to obtain a sample of the fluid for diagnostic purposes.

Related Terms

  • Pouch of Douglas: Another name for the rectouterine pouch or cul-de-sac.
  • Culdocentesis: A medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the cul-de-sac to obtain a sample of the fluid.
  • Endometriosis: A medical condition that can cause fluid or blood to accumulate in the cul-de-sac.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause fluid or blood to accumulate in the cul-de-sac.

See Also

External links

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