Anatomical Relations
The arcus tendineus rectovaginalis, similar to the tendinous arch of pelvic fascia, is a condensation of the pelvic fascia lining the levator ani muscles. It projects posteroinferiorly from the lateral aspect of the vagina to the perineal body. Additionally, it attaches the lateral wall of the vagina to the parietal pelvic fascia lining the levator ani muscles posterolaterally. The arcus tendineus rectovaginalis intersects near the midpoint of the tendinous arch of pelvic fascia.
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
Similar to other condensations of endopelvic fascia, the arcus tendineus rectovaginalis aids in supporting pelvic viscera, specifically the vagina. This structure also creates the vertical axis orientation of the distal vagina (Albright et al., 2005).
References
Albright, T. S., Gehrich, A. P., Davis, G. D., Sabi, F. L. and Buller, J. L. (2005) 'Arcus tendineus fascia pelvis: a further understanding', Am J Obstet Gynecol, 193(3 Pt 1), pp. 677-81.
