206 



ARTICULATIONS. 



by the junction of the two oval surfaces which has received the name of the 

 symphysis. The ligaments of this articulation are the 



Anterior Pubic. Posterior Pubic. 



Superior Pubic. Subpubic. 



Interarticular Fibro-cartilage. 



The Anterior Pubic Ligament consists of several superimposed layers, which 

 pass across the front of the articulation. The superficial fibres pass obliquely 

 from one bone to the other, decussating and forming an interlacement with the 

 fibres of the aponeurosis of the External oblique muscle. The deep fibres pass 

 transversely across the symphysis, and are blended with the interarticular fibro- 

 cartilage. 



The Posterior Pubic Ligament consists of a few thin, scattered fibres, which unite 

 the two pubic bones posteriorly. 



The Superior Pubic Ligament is a band of fibres, which connects together the 

 two pubic bones superiorly. 



The Subpubic Ligament is a thick, triangular arch of ligamentous fibres, con- 

 necting together the two pubic bones below, and forming the upper boundary of 

 the pubic arch. Above, it is blended with the interarticular fibro- cartilage ; 

 laterally, with the rami of the pubes. Its fibres are of a yellowish color, closely 

 connected, and have an arched direction. 



Fig. 129. Vertical Section of the Symphysis Pubis. 

 Made near its Posterior Surface. 



Tn-o Fibro-Cart-Uaginotis plates 



Intermediate 

 Synm>ial ca.vi.ty at uj>f. 



The Interarticular Fibro-cartilage consists of two oval-shaped plates, one cover- 

 ing the surface of each symphysis pubis. They vary in thickness in different 

 subjects, and project somewhat beyond the level of the bones, especially behind. 

 The outer surface of each plate is firmly connected to the bone by a series of 

 nipple-like processes, which accurately fit within corresponding depressions on the 

 osseous surface. Their opposed surfaces are connected, in the greater part of their 

 extent, by an intermediate fibrous elastic tissue ; and by their circumference to the 

 various ligaments surrounding the joint. An interspace is left between the plates 

 at the upper and back part of the articulation, where the fibrous tissue is deficient, 

 and the surface of the fibro-cartilage is lined by epithelium. The space is found 

 at all periods of life, both in the male and female ; but it is larger in the latter, 

 especially during pregnancy, and after parturition. It is most frequently limited 

 to the upper and back part of the joint ; but it occasionally reaches to the front, 

 and may extend the entire length of the cartilages. This structure may be easily 

 demonstrated, by making a vertical section of the symphysis pubis near its pos- 

 terior surface. 



