GIMBERXA T\S LIGAMENT. 



1183 



tion of an inguinal hernia, in order that the abdominal walls may be relaxed as 

 much as possible. 



The aponeurosis of the External oblique should be removed by dividing it across in the same 

 direction as the external incisions, and reflecting it downward and outward : great care is requisite 

 in separating it from the aponeurosis of the muscle beneath. The lower part of the Internal 

 oblique an I the Cremaster are then exposed, together with the inguinal canal, which contains 

 the spermatic cord i Vis. 75>). The mode of insertion of Poupart's and Gimbernat's ligaments 

 into the us pubis should also be examined. 



Poupart's ligament, or the crural arch, is the lower border of the aponeurosis 

 of the External oblique muscle, which extends from the anterior superior spine of 

 the ilium to the spine of the os pubis. From this latter point it is reflected 

 outward to be attached to the pectineal line for about half an inch, forming 



FIG. TON Inguinal hernia, showing the Internal oblique, Cremaster, and spermatic canal 



Gimbernat's ligament. Its general direction is curved downward toward the 

 thigh, where it is continuous with the fascia lata. Its outer half is rounded and 

 oblique in direction : its inner half gradually widens at its attachment to the os 

 pubis, is more horizontal in direction, and lies beneath the spermatic cord. 



Gimbernat's ligament (Fig. 765) is that portion of the External oblique muscle 

 which is reflected downward and outward from the spine of the os pubis to be 

 inserted into the pectineal line. It is about half an inch in length, larger in the 

 male than in the female, almost horizontal in direction in the erect posture, and 

 of a triangular form, with the base directed outward. Its base or outer margin is 

 concave, thin, and sharp, and lies in contact with the crural sheath, forming the 

 inner boundary of the crural ring (see Fig. 766). Its apex corresponds to the 

 spine of the os pubis. Its posterior margin is attached to the pectineal line, and 

 is continuous with the pubic portion of the fascia lata. Its anterior margin is 

 continuous with Poupart's ligament. 



The triangular ligament of the abdomen is a band of tendinous fibres, of a 

 triangular shape, which is attached by its apex to the pectineal line, where it is 



