136 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 



probably in consequence of the adhesion of the bladder to the 

 prostate, and to other parts exterior to it. 



The part of the bottom of the bladder, which is immediately 

 behind the triangular space, is rather lower than this space ; 

 and but a small portion of cellular membrane exists between it 

 and the rectum in males, and the vagina and it in females. 



The upper part of the bladder is connected with the umbilicus 

 by means of a ligament, which passes between the peritoneum 

 and the abdominal muscles. This ligament consists of three 

 cords. One of these, which is in the middle, arises from the 

 coats of the bladder, and was, in the foetus, the duct called 

 urachus ; and the other two, which are connected to the bladder, 

 principally by cellular membrane, were originally the umbilical 

 arteries.* The middle cord is of a light color and fibrous 

 structure ; it is thickest at the bladder, and gradually diminishes 

 as it approaches the umbilicus. In a few instances it has been 

 found to be hollow. In its progress to the umbilicus it becomes 

 more or less blended with the linea alba or the tendons of the 

 abdominal muscles. The other cords are generally solid. After 

 passing from the umbilicus to the bladder they continue on the 

 sides of that viscus, and finally terminate at the hypogastric or 

 internal iliac artery. 



In the very young subject these cords are invested by distinct 

 processes of the peritoneum, but their position is exterior to the 

 peritoneum. 



As the bladder is situated very near most of the large rami- 

 fications of the hypogastric artery in the pelvis, it receives 

 branches from several of them ; viz. from the umbilical arteries 

 before they terminate ; from the pubic ; from the obturators, &c. 

 These branches ramify in the cellular membrane exterior to the 

 muscular coat, and also in the cellular substance between the 



19. The layer of the deep fascia which is prolonged to the rectum. 20. The 

 lower part of the levator ani ; its fibres are concealed by the anal fascia. 21. 

 The inferior segment of the funnel-shaped process given off from the posterior 

 layer of the deep perineal fascia, which is continuous with the recto-vesical 

 fascia of Tyrrell. The attachment of this fascia to the recto-vesical fold of 

 peritoneum is seen at 22. 



* See the accounts of these parts in the description of the Abdomen of the 

 Foetus. 



