i86 ABDOMEN 



Panniculus Adiposus (Superficial Fascia). The superficial 

 fascia of the perineum is now laid bare. In the anal triangle 

 it agrees in every particular with the same portion of fascia in 

 the male (p. 151). In the anterior or urogenital triangle, 

 however, owing to the difference in the external organs of 

 generation, there is a slight modification. It presents the 

 same two layers. In the superficial fatty layer, where it covers 

 the labia majora, there are dartos fibres similar to those in the 

 scrotum of the male. The deeper layer has the same attach- 

 ments as in the male, viz., to the margins of the pubic arch, 

 and to the base of the urogenital diaphragm ; but it is not so 

 membranous, and consequently does not form so distinct a 

 stratum. The two superficial fascial pouches are also present 

 in the female, and are sometimes spoken of as the vulvo- 

 scrotal sacs. Their separation along the median plane is not 

 due to the interposition of a median septum, as in the male, 

 but to the presence of the urogenital fissure. They are not 

 so easily demonstrated as in the male, but an attempt should 

 be made to investigate them. 



Dissection. Cut through the fatty layer of the superficial 

 fascia of the urogenital triangle until the deeper membranous 

 layer (Colics' fascia) is exposed. Make a small longitudinal 

 incision through Colics' fascia and introduce the tip of the little 

 finger through it, then attempt to pass the finger medially, 

 laterally, backwards, upwards, and forwards. Medially its passage 

 beyond the median plane is prevented by the wall of the uro- 

 genital cleft. Laterally, it cannot be passed into the medial 

 part of the thigh because Colles' fascia is attached to the margins 

 of the rami of the pubis and ischium. It cannot pass back- 

 wards, beyond the anterior boundary of the anal triangle, because 

 there Colles' fascia unites with the base of the fascia of the 

 urogenital diaphragm. Upward pressure, towards the pelvis, 

 will demonstrate the presence of the strong inferior fascia of the 

 urogenital diaphragm which forms the upper boundary of the 

 superficial pouch of the urogenital triangle on each side, and 

 prevents the finger passing upwards into the pelvis ; but when 

 the tip of the finger is directed forwards it will be found that it 

 can be passed in front of the apex of the pubic arch and then 

 upwards in front of the symphysis to the region of the anterior 

 wall of the abdomen. As the finger lies in front of the symphysis 

 it can be passed across to the opposite side of the median plane, 

 but it cannot be passed laterally into the thigh because the deep 

 layer of the superficial fascia is attached to the front of the body 

 of the pubis. 



The dissector who has followed the above instructions, 

 successfully, will have demonstrated the presence of the super- 

 ficial pouch of the urogenital triangle in the female and its 



