194 ABDOMEN 



The superior fascia of the diaphragm is part of the 

 parietal pelvic fascia, which lines the inner surface of the 

 pelvic wall ; it will be dealt with again when the pelvic 

 fascia is dissected (p. 418). The inferior fascia is on the 

 same morphological plane as the obturator membrane, and 

 like that membrane it partially fills a gap in the bony wall of 

 the pelvis. Its base is fused with the Colics' fascia, and it 

 is pierced by the deep branch of the perineal nerve and by 

 the perineal artery. The posterior labial nerves cross the 

 base of Colles' fascia. Its blunted apex is blended, as already 

 stated, with the superior fascia to form the transverse ligament 

 of the pelvis, and between it and the arcuate ligament of the 

 pubis there is a small space through which the dorsal vein 

 of the clitoris passes backwards to join the vesical plexus. 

 The inferior fascia is pierced, in the median plane, about 

 27 mm. (a little more than one inch) below the apex of 

 the pubic arch by the vagina, and, immediately in front 

 of the vagina, by the urethra. At each side of the vagina 

 it is pierced by the artery to the corresponding half of 

 the bulb of the vestibule, and, a short distance below the 

 apex, on each side, it is pierced by the dorsal nerve of the 

 clitoris, and either by the terminal part of the internal 

 pudendal artery or by its two end branches, namely, the 

 dorsal and deep arteries of the clitoris. 



Dissection. The inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm 

 should be reflected upon one side. Detach it from the margin 

 of the pubic arch and throw it medially ; then, if the muscles are 

 in good condition, clean them. After the muscles are cleaned, 

 follow the artery of the bulb, laterally, to its origin from the internal 

 pudendal artery, and then clean the internal pudendal artery from 

 behind forwards to its termination. It lies in the lateral margin 

 of the pouch, close to the pubic arch, and is accompanied by the 

 dorsal nerve of the clitoris, which must also be cleaned. When 

 the dissection is completed, revise the structures which lie in the 

 deep pouch, and reconsider the main points associated with the 

 internal pudendal artery and the pudendal nerve. 



M. Transversus Perinei Profundus et M. Sphincter 

 Urethra Membranacese (O.T. Compressor Urethrse Muscle). 

 The deep transverse muscle of the perineum is even smaller 

 in the female than in the male, and is also less distinctly 

 separable from the sphincter of the membranous part of the 

 urethra. It arises laterally from the margin of the pubic arch, 

 at the junction of the ischial and pubic rami, and it terminates 

 medially on the lower part of the posterior wall of the 



