104 ORGANS OF GENERATION. 



part of the urethra, and on the side of the prostate gland, and 

 are inserted into the common place of junction of the perineal 

 muscles. 



The Triangular Ligament of the Urethra, 



Is a membrane which fills up the space below the symphysis 

 of the pubes, and answers there as a septum between the peri- 

 neum and the pelvis: when closely examined, it is seen to con- 

 nect itself to the internal edges of the rami of the pubes and 

 ischia on the inner posterior sides of the crura penis as far down 

 as the beginning of the latter. At its lower edge its ligamentous 

 character is not so well defined. On its anterior surface is the 

 bulb of the urethra, and just at the extremity of the latter, en- 

 closed by the ligament, and adhering to it, are Couper's Glands. 

 In contact with it behind, and adhering, is the prostate gland, 

 covered by its fibrous capsule, which is a continuation of the 

 pelvic aponeurosis over it. A perforation exists in it, through 

 which passes the membranous part of the urethra. This open- 

 ing is not very apparent, in consequence of its edges being con- 

 tinued a little distance on the canal; but by detaching them the 

 whole becomes well defined. 



The relative situation of the bulb and of the membranous part 

 of the urethra is such, that the former goes towards the anus, 

 while the latter passes upwards towards the neck of the bladder; 

 they, consequently, form a considerable angle with each other. 

 The membranous part of the urethra is much the deepest, the 

 recollection of which is all-important in lithotomy, as it teaches 

 us to avoid the one, and to cut into the other. It may also be 

 observed, that the hole in the triangular ligament is an inch 

 below the symphysis pubis. 



By removing the upper corner of the triangular ligament, we 

 are made acquainted with another just behind it, which is total- 

 ly distinct. This ligament is half an inch broad, is thick and 

 strong, particularly at its lower edge, and is very firmly attached 

 laterally to each of the pubes, just below the symphysis: it is a 

 continuation of the ligamentous union of the symphysis pubis. 

 Mr. Colles calls it pubic ligament, with great propriety. I would 

 suggest, as somewhat more expressive, the term Inter-Pubic Li- 



