208 



ABDOMEN 



Superiorly, where the aponeurosis of the external oblique is 

 very thin, it passes medially to be attached to the xiphoid 

 process. It is from that part of the aponeurosis that the 

 pectoralis major derives fibres of origin. Inferiorly the 

 aponeurosis is folded upon itself to form the inguinal liga- 

 ment, which is attached laterally and superiorly to the anterior 

 superior spine of the ilium, and medially and inferiorly to the 

 tubercle of the pubis. Between the upper and lower attachments 

 the aponeurosis lies in front of the rectus, taking part in the 



Elastic tissue passing down to 

 suspensory ligament of the penis Subcutaneous inguinal ring 



Aponeurosis of 

 the external 

 oblique 



Fascia of Scarpa 



Great 

 saphenous vein 



FIG. 94. Dissection of the Subcutaneous Inguinal Ring and the parts 

 in its vicinity. 



formation of its sheath, and it is inserted into the linea alba 

 and into the front of the os pubis. 



The aponeurosis is broadest and strongest inferiorly ; jit is 

 narrowest about the level of the umbilicus, and it widens 

 somewhat again towards the ribs. Superiorly it is so thin 

 that the fibres of the rectus muscle shine through it. 



Annulus Inguinalis Subcutaneus (O.T. External Abdominal 

 Ring) (Figs. 94 and 95). In the male, the aponeurosis of 

 the external oblique is pierced, immediately above the pubis, 

 by the spermatic cord ; in the female, it is pierced, at the same 

 point and in the same manner, by the round ligament of the 



