Rectoprostatic fascia

The rectoprostatic fascia (Denonvilliers' fascia; rectovesical septum), is a fibromuscular fascial structure located in the male pelvis that forms the posterior boundary of the prostate, separating it from the rectum. It extends from the rectogenital pouch (peritoneal reflection) superiorly to the perineal body inferiorly, and closely covers the posterior surface of the prostate and the seminal vesicles.

Composition and structure: It consists of a multilayered fibromuscular membrane composed of connective tissue interspersed with bundles of smooth muscle cells. Medially, it is fused with the prostatic stroma into a single sheath containing thick smooth muscle bundles in continuity with the prostatic tissue. Its lateral expansions are in close contact with the neurovascular bundles originating from the inferior hypogastric plexus.

Anatomical relationships: The rectoprostatic fascia is one of three key fasciae surrounding the prostate along with the endopelvic fascia (laterally) and the prostatic fascia (anterolaterally). The neurovascular bundles critical for erectile function and continence are situated in a triangle formed by these three fasciae, predominantly at the posterolateral aspect of the prostate. Distally, the fascia extends to the prostatic apex and terminates at the prostateurethral junction in continuity with the central perineal tendon.