1142 



THE URINARY ORGANS. 



The base (fundus) of the bladder is directed downward and backward. It 

 varies in extent according to the state of distention of the organ, being very broad 

 when full, but much narrower when empty. In the male it rests upon the second 

 portion of the rectum, from which it is separated by a reflection of the recto-vesical 

 fascia. It is covered superiorly, for a slight extent, by the peritoneum, which is 

 reflected from it upon the rectum, forming the recto-vesical fold. The portion of 

 the bladder in relation with the rectum corresponds to a triangular space bounded 

 in front by the prostate gland, and on each side by the vesicula seminalis and vas 

 deferens. In the female the base of the bladder lies in contact with the cervix 



pocularis 



FIG. 732. Antero-posterior median section of lower part of bladder, prostate gland, and prostatic urethra. 

 (Henle.) 



uteri and upper part of the anterior wall of the vagina. Above this connection is 

 the peritoneal utero-vesical pouch. 



The so-called neck of the bladder is the point of commencement of the urethra. 

 The portion of the bladder immediately surrounding it is in relation with the 

 prostate gland. 



Ligaments. The bladder is retained in its place by ligaments which are divided 

 into true and false. The true ligaments are five in number : two anterior, two 

 lateral, and the urachus. The false ligaments, also five in number, are formed by 

 folds of the peritoneum. 



The anterior ligaments (pubo-prostati<i) extend from the back of the os pubis, 

 one on each side of the symphysis, to the pubic surface of the bladder, over the 

 upper surface of the prostate gland. These ligaments are formed by the recto- 

 vesical fascia, and contain muscular fibres prolonged from the bladder. 



