1228 



SPLANCHNOLOGY 





and the lateral and posterior borders are rounded; whereas if the bladder be relaxed 

 it is concave, and the interior of the viscus, as seen in a median sagittal section, 

 presents the appearance of a V-shaped slit with a shorter posterior and a longer 

 anterior limb the apex of the V corresponding with the internal orifice of the 

 urethra. The inferior surface is directed downward and is uncovered by peritoneum. 

 It may be divided into a posterior or prostatic area and two infero-lateral surfaces. 

 The prostatic area is somewhat triangular : it rests upon and is in direct continuity 

 with the base of the prostate; and from it the urethra emerges. The infero-lateral 

 portions of the inferior surface are directed downward and lateralward: in front, 

 they are separated from the symphysis pubis by a mass of fatty tissue which is 

 named the retropubic pad ; behind, they are in contact with the fascia which covers 

 the Levatores ani and Obturatores interni. 



Ureter 



Ductus deferens 



Sacrum 



\ . Rectovesical 



excavation 



Urethra 



External urethral 

 orifice 





Coccyx 



Ejaculatory duct 

 Anal canal 



FIG. 1135. Median sagitta section of male pelvis. 



When the bladder is empty it is placed entirely within the pelvis, below the level 

 of the obliterated hypogastric arteries, and below the level of those portions of the 

 ductus deferentes which are in contact with the lateral wall of the pelvis; after 

 they cross the ureters the ductus deferentes come into contact with the fundus 

 of the bladder. As the viscus fills, its fundus, being more or less fixed, is only 

 slightly depressed; while its superior surface gradually rises into the abdominal 

 cavity, carrying with it its peritoneal covering, and at the same time rounding 

 off the posterior and lateral borders. 



The Distended Bladder. When the bladder is moderately full it contains 

 about 0.5 liter and assumes an oval form; the long diameter of the oval measures 

 about 12 cm. and is directed upward and forward. In this condition it presents 

 a postero-superior, an antero-inferior, and two lateral surfaces, a fundus and a 



