270 



PERINEAL FASCLE. 



rior border it divides into two layers, one of which is continued forwards, 

 and is continuous with the superficial perineal fascia ; while the other is 



Fig. 142. 



Fig. U3.f 



prolonged backwards to the rectum, and, joining with the anal fascia, 

 assists in supporting the extremity of that intestine. The deep perineal 

 fascia is composed of two layers, which are separated from each other by 

 several important parts, and traversed by the membranous portion of the 

 urethra. The anterior layer is nearly plane in its direction, and sends a 

 sheath forwards around the anterior termination of the membranous ure- 

 thra, to be attached to the posterior part of the bulb. The posterior layer 

 is oblique, and sends a funnel-shaped process backwards, which invests 



the commencement of the mem- 

 branous urethra and the prostate 

 gland. The inferior segment of 

 this funnel-shaped process is 

 continued backward beneath the 

 prostate gland and the vesiculae 

 seminales, and is continuous with 

 the recto-vesical fasciae of Tyr- 

 rell, which is attached poste- 

 riorly to the recto-vesical fold 

 of peritoneum, and serves the 

 important office of retaining that 

 duplicature in its proper situa- 

 tion. 



The pubic arch with the attachments of the perineal fasciae. 1, 1, I. The superfl 

 eial perineal fascia divided by a ^ shaped incision into three flaps ; the lateral flaps 

 are turned over the ramus of the os pubis and ischium at each side, to which they are 

 firmly attached ; tne posterior flap is continuous with the deep perineal fascia. 2. The 

 deep perineal fascia. 3. The opening for the passage of the membranous portion of the 

 urethra, previously to entering the bulb. 4. Two projections of the anterior layer of the 

 deep perineal fascia, corresponding with the position of Cowper's glands. 



t A side view of the viscera of the pelvis, showing the distribution of the perineal 

 and pelvic fasciae. 1. The symphysis pubis. 2. The bladder. 3. The recto-vesical fold 

 of peritoneum, passing from the anterior surface of the rectum to the posterior part of 

 tt.fi bladder ; from the upper part of the fundu* of the bladder it is reflected upon th.6 



