1362 



THE URIXOGENITAL ORGANS 



The antero-inferior or pubic surface (Figs. 339 and 1111) looks downward and 

 forward. In the undistended condition it is uncovered by peritoneum, and is 

 in relation with the Obturator interims muscle on each side, with the rectovesicai 

 fascia, and anterior true ligaments of the bladder. It is separated from the body 

 of the pubis by a triangular interval, occupied by fatty tissue, the pubovesical 

 space of Retzius. As the bladder ascends into the abdominal cavity during dis- 

 tention the distance between its apex and the umbilicus is necessarily diminished., 

 and the urachus (Figs. 978 and 1111) is thus relaxed; so that, instead of passing 



/directly upward to the umbilicus, it descends first on the upper part of the anterior- 

 surface of the bladder, and then curving upward, ascends on the back of the 

 abdominal wall. The peritoneum, which follows the urachus, thus comes to 

 form a pouch of varying depth between the anterior surface of the viscus and the 



Prostatic portion 

 of urethra. 

 Ejaculatory duct. 



SPHINCTER ANI. 



Fossa 



-navicularis. 



Prepuce. 



FIG. 1111. Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra. 



abdominal wall (Fig. 339). The pouch passes to the neighborhood of the internal 

 abdominal rings. Thus, when the bladder is distended, the upper part of its 

 anterior surface is in relation with the urachus and is covered by peritoneum. 

 The lower part of its anterior surface, for a distance of about two inches above 

 the symphysis pubis, is devoid of peritoneum, and is in contact with the 

 abdominal wall. 



The lateral surfaces are invested behind and above by peritoneum, which extends 

 as low as the level of the impervious hypogastric artery; below and in front of this, 

 these surfaces are uncovered by peritoneum, and are separated from the Levatores 

 am muscles and the walls of the pelvis by a quantity of loose areolar tissue contain- 

 ing fat. In front this surface is connected to the' rectovesicai fascia by a broad 

 expansion on either side, the lateral true ligaments. The vas deferens crosses the 



