850 



PELVIC FASCIA. 



sciatic ligament. This fascia forms a canal for the pudic vessels and nerve in 

 their passage forwards to the perineum, and is continuous with a thin mem- 

 brane which covers the perinea! aspect of the Levator Ani muscle, called the 

 ischio-rectal or anal fascia. 



Fig. 462. Pelvic Fascia. 



The recto-vesical fascia (visceral layer of the pelvic fascia) descends into the 

 pelvis upon the upper surface of the Levator Ani muscle, and invests the pros- 

 tate, bladder, and rectum. From the inner surface of the symphysis pubis a 

 short rounded band is continued to the upper surface of the prostate and neck 

 of the bladder, forming the pubo-prostatic or anterior true ligaments of the 

 bladder. At the side, this fascia is connected to the side of the prostate, inclos- 

 ing this gland and the vesical prostatic plexus, and is continued upwards on the 

 surface of the bladder, forming the lateral true ligaments of the organ. Another 

 prolongation invests the vesicula3 seminales, and passes across between the 

 bladder and rectum, being continuous with the same fascia of the opposite side. 

 Another thin prolongation is reflected round the surface of the lower end of 

 the rectum. The Levator Ani muscle arises from the point of division of the 

 pelvic fascia ; the visceral layer of the fascia descending upon and being inti- 

 mately adherent to the upper surface of the muscle, while the under surfaee- of 

 the muscle is covered by a thin layer derived from the obturator fascia, called 

 the ischio-rectal or anal fascia. In the female, the vagina perforates the recto- 

 vesical fascia, and receives a prolongation from it. 



