1000 



THE URINARY ORGANS. 



vas deferens is in contact with the hinder part of this surface, lying beneath the 

 peritoneum. 



The antero-inferior or pubic surface looks downward and forward. In the 

 undistended condition it is uncovered by peritoneum, and is in relation with the 

 Obturator internus muscle on each side, with the recto-vesical fascia, and anterior 

 true ligaments of the bladder. It is separated from the body of the pubis by a 

 triangular interval, the space of Retzius, occupied by fatty tissue. As the bladder 



Peritoneum. 



Vesicula seminalis 

 Symphysis pubis. 



Dorsal vein of 



Septum pectiniforme. 

 Urethra. 



Prostate 

 gland. 



Sphincter a,ni. 



FIG. 558. Vertical median section ol the male pelvis. (Henle.) 



ascends into the abdominal cavity during distention the distance between its apex 

 and the umbilicus is necessarily diminished, and the urachus is thus relaxed ; so 

 that, instead of passing directly upward to the umbilicus, it descends first on the 

 upper part of the anterior surface of the bladder, and then, curving upward, 

 ascends on the back of the abdominal wall. The peritoneum, which follows the 

 urachus, thus comes to form a pouch of varying depth between the anterior surface 

 of the viscus and the abdominal wall. Thus, when the bladder is distended, the 

 upper part of its anterior surface is in relation to the urachus and is covered by 

 peritoneum. The lower part of its anterior surface, a distance of about two 

 inches above the symphysis pubis, is devoid of peritoneum, and is in contact with 

 the abdominal wall. 



The lateral surfaces are covered behind and above by peritoneum, which 

 extends as low as the level of the obliterated hypogastric artery ; below and in 

 front of this, these surfaces are uncovered by peritoneum, and are separated from 



