452 



THE MUSCLES AND FASCIA 



Jibrous raphe (anococcygeal raphe"), which extends between the coccyx and the 

 margin of the anus. The middle fibres are inserted into the side of the rectum, 

 blending with the fibres of the Sphincter muscles: lastly, the anterior fibres descend 

 upon the side of the prostate gland to unite beneath it with the muscle of the 

 opposite side, joining with the fibres of the External sphincter and Transversus 

 perinei muscles at the central tendinous point of the perineum. 



COWPER'S 

 GLANDS 



SUPERFICIAL TRANS- 

 VERSUS PERINEI 



FIG. 344. The right Levator ani in the male, viewed from the left. (Spalteholz.) 



The anterior portion is occasionally separated from the rest of the muscle by 

 connective tissue. From this circumstance, as well as from its peculiar relation 

 with the prostate gland, descending by its side, and surrounding it as in a sling, 

 it has been described by Santorini and others as a distinct muscle, under the name 

 of Levator prostatae. In the femaje the anterior fibres of the Levator ani descend 

 upon the side of the vagina. 



