412 



MYOLOGY 



medial half gradually widens at its attachment to the pubis, is more horizontal 

 in direction, and lies beneath the spermatic cord. 



The Lacunar Ligament (ligamentum lacunare [Gimbernati] ; Gimbernat's ligament) 

 (Fig. 394) . The lacunar ligament is that part of the aponeurosis of the Obliquus 

 externus which is reflected backward and lateralward, and is attached to the pecti- 

 neal line. It is about 1.25 cm. long, larger in the male than in the female, almost 

 horizontal in direction in the erect posture, and of a triangular form w r ith the base 

 directed lateralward. Its base is concave, thin, and sharp, and forms the medial 

 boundary of the femoral ring. Its apex corresponds to the pubic tubercle. Its 

 posterior margin is attached to the pectineal line, and is continuous with the 

 pectineal fascia. Its anterior margin is attached to the inguinal ligament. Its 

 surfaces are directed upward and downward. 



Ant. sup. iliac spine, 



Symphysis 

 pubis 



Obturator canal 

 Lacunar ligament 

 Pubic tubercle 





Transverse acetabular 

 ligament 



FIG. 394. The inguinal and lacunar ligamenta. 



The Reflected Inguinal Ligament (ligamentum inguinale reflexum [ Collesi] ; trian- 

 gular fascia) . The reflected inguinal ligament is a layer of tendinous fibers of a 

 triangular shape, formed by an expansion from the lacunar ligament and the inferior 

 cms of the subcutaneous inguinal ring. It passes medialward behind the spermatic 

 cord, and expands into a somew r hat fan-shaped band, lying behind the superior 

 crus of the subcutaneous inguinal ring, and in front of the inguinal aponeurotic 

 falx, and interlaces with the ligament of the other side of the linea alba (Fig. 396). 



Ligament of Cooper. This is a strong fibrous band, which was first described by Sir Astley 

 Cooper. It extends lateralward from the base of the lacunar ligament (Fig. 394) along the 

 pectineal line, to which it is attached. It is strengthened by the pectineal fascia, and by a 

 lateral expansion from the lower attachment of the linea alba (adminiculum lineoe albce). 



Variations. The Obliquus externus may show decrease or doubling of its attachments to the 

 ribs; addition slips from lumbar aponeurosis; doubling between lower ribs and ilium or inguinal 

 ligament. Rarely tendinous inscriptions occur. 



The Obliquus internus abdominis (Internal or ascending oblique muscle] (Fig. 

 395), thinner and smaller than the Obliquus externus, beneath which it lies, is of 



