THE ABDOMEN 



68i 



notch on the anterior border of the liver, through which it passes to 

 enter the umbilical fissure on the under surface of the viscus. As 

 the round ligament ascends to the liver the peritoneum, within 

 which it lies, is being gradually elongated in the form of two 

 closel}^ applied laminae, which thus project to form a part of the 

 falcifonu ligament. The apex of this ligament is therefore at the 

 umbilicus. 



The Tunica Vaginalis and Testis. 



Tunica Vaginalis. — ^This is a closed serous sac, behind which the 

 testis lies. It is formed by the lower part of the processus vaginalis, 

 or peritoneal diverticulum, which precedes the descent of the 

 testis from the abdomen. Like all serous membranes, it is composed 

 of two layers, parietal and visceral. The parietal layer is known as 

 the tunica vaginalis scroti, from the circumstance that it lines the 

 scrotal chamber of its own side. It is much larger and looser than 

 the visceral layer, with which it is continuous along the posterior 

 border of the testis and on the spermatic cord about J inch above 

 the organ. The visceral layer is known as the tunica vaginalis 

 testis. It closely invests the tunica albuginea of the testis, to 



Spermalic Cord „. 



Organ of Giraldes 



Tunica Vaginalis Scroti ^ 

 Epididymis 

 Digital Fossa 



Hydatids of Morgagni 



Fig. 294.— The Testis and its Coverings. 



which it is inseparably united. It also invests the epididyinis 

 except at its posterior border, where the constituents of the 

 spermatic cord enter or leave the testis. Between the epi- 

 did\Tnis and the testis it forms a recess, called the digital fossa, and 

 it extends upwards on the spermatic cord for about i inch above 

 the testis. Along the posterior border of the organ, where this 

 layer becomes continuous with the parietal layer, there is a narrow 

 strip which is free from serous investment. The portion of the tunica 

 vaginalis which is related to the spermatic cord is called the fitnictilar 

 pen . When fluid accumulates between the parietal and visceral 

 layers, the condition is known as hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis. 



