EXTERNAL OBLIQUE MUSCLE. 



249 



The aponeurosis of the external oblique, wider at the lower than at the 

 11 nper part, and larger than that of either of the subj acent abdominal muscles, 

 extends inwards towards the middle line in front ; at some distance from 

 this, but farther out above than below, it becomes inseparably united with 

 the aponeurosis beneath, and forms a part of the sheath of the rectus 

 muscle in the whole extent of the space from the ensiform cartilage to the 

 symphysis pubis. The upper part of the aponeurosis is connected externally 

 with the larger pectoral muscle. Its lower fibres are closely aggregated 

 together, and extend across from the anterior superior iliac spine to the 

 spine of the pubes, in the form of a broad band, which is called the liga- 

 ment of Jfallopius, or more commonly of Poupart. This band is curved at 

 the middle and outer parts, the convexity of the curve being directed towards 



Fig. 197. 



Fig. 197. SUPERFICIAL VIEW OF THE MUSCLES OF THE ABDOMEN, PROM BEFORE. 



14, external oblique muscle ; 15, is placed on the ensiform cartilage at the upper end 

 of the linea alba ; 15', umbilicus ; 16, syraphysis pubis at the lower end of the linea 

 alba ; above 16, the pyramidales muscles are seen shining through the abdominal 

 aponeurosis ; from 14 to 17, the linea semilunaris ; between this line and the linea alba 

 are seen the transverse lines of the rectus muscle ; above 22, the curved margin of 

 Poupart's ligament; on either side of 16, the external abdominal ring is indicated. 



