456 A MANUAL OF ANA TO MY. 



diaphragm, but becomes thicker as the inguinal region is 

 approached, and when Poupart's ligament is reached is a 

 membrane of considerable density. 



Attachments. Below, to the crest of the ilium, to the 

 whole of Poupart's ligament (excepting over the femoral 

 vessels, where it passes under Poupart's ligament to form 

 the anterior sheath of the same), to the outer part of Gim- 

 bernat's ligament, to the iliopectineal line and inner surface 

 of the pubes and symphysis. In the middle line it is con- 

 tinuous from side to side. Laterally, it passes into the 

 loose tissue in those parts. Above, it becomes continuous 

 with the fascia lining the diaphragm. The portion of the 

 fascia beneath Poupart's ligament and arching over the 

 femoral vessels is called the crural arch. 



The internal abdominal ring" (Fig. 94) is a potential 

 opening through the fascia transversalis, formed by the pas- 

 sage through it of the spermatic cord in the male and the 

 round ligament in the female. It is situated just above the 

 middle of Poupart's ligament. From the margins of the 

 internal ring there is a thin layer of membrane projected 

 upon the cord (or round ligament) ; this is the infundibuli- 

 form process of the fascia transversalis. For its forma- 

 tion, see page 460. 



DISSECTION. 



Incise the transversalis fascia transversely at the level of the umbilicus and 

 along the middle line, providing it has been demonstrated as a continuous 

 layer; reflect its lower portion, which is thicker than the upper and lies in 

 front of the deep epigastric artery, and turn this portion downward. Trace 

 the deep epigastric artery to its source, raising the peritoneum and contents 

 from the iliac fossa. Examine the relations about the internal ring. 



The remaining portion of the deep epigastric artery has 

 been exposed by this dissection. It is seen to arise from 

 the front of the external iliac close to Poupart's ligament, 



