THE MALE PERINEUM. 203 



lular tissue, which is very adherent to the integument 

 along the middle line, is met with. The superficial 

 fascia may be conveniently divided into two layers : the 

 upper containing a good deal of fat (which considerably 

 augments the depth of the perineum in some cases) ; is 

 continuous with that of the scrotum and thighs, and 

 in it, or immediately beneath it, lie the superficial peri- 

 neal vessels and nerves, whilst the deeper layer has im- 

 portant attachments and is more membranous in texture. 

 Externally, it is attached to the rami of the pubes and 

 ischium, outside the crura and erectores penis ; behind, 

 it is continuous with the deep perineal fascia, or triangu- 

 lar ligament of the perineum, after turning round the 

 transversalis perinei j and in front it is continuous with 

 the dartos and fasciae at the root of the penis ; a septum 

 derived from it passes inwards, dividing the posterior 

 part of the space beneath this layer of fascia into two, 

 but is, however, ill-defined in front. This cellulo-fatty 

 layer is a favorite seat of abscess from urinary or other 

 infiltration. 



The attachments of this fascia are very important as 

 directing the course of the urine in extravasation, from 

 rupture of the urethra anterior to the triangular ligament, 

 into the cellular tissue of the scrotum and penis. 



Along the mesial line this fascia is intimately attached 

 to the bulb of the urethra, and in cases where the bulb 

 has been injured, the urine, after extravasation, readily 



finds its way along the spongy portion of the urethra to 

 the glans, with which it is continuous. On reflecting 

 this layer of fascia, in the middle of the space, are the 

 acceleratores urinse muscles, enveloping the bulb, and on 

 either side are the erectores penis, passing from the inner 

 aspect of the ascending ramus, and covering the lower 



