PELVIC FASCIA AXD MUSCLES 



10G3 



li<mment. Its superior border is separated from the inferior border of the pyrif(jr- 

 niis by the vessels and nerves which escape from the ])elvis heUnv the latter muscle. 

 Its inferior V)order is related to the posterior border of the levator ani. The muscle 

 is Often pierced V»v lilaments of the fourth and fifth sacral and coccygeal nerves, 

 which supply it and form a kind of plexus on its pelvic surface. It aids the levator 

 ani in drawinu forwards the coccyx. , , i r , 



The recto-vesical fascia may be regarded as a lannna detached from the 

 obturator fasiia at the level of the upper 'l)order of the ' white line.' From this 

 point it extends upon the pelvic surface of the levator ani and coccygeus to become 

 reflected ui)on the viscera immediately related to the nmscular floor of the pelvis, 



Fig. 651.— Muscles of the Flook of the Pelvis. (W. A.^ 

 (A i)ortiou of the ischial and pubic houes sawn away.) 



Aperture for 



superior gluteal 

 vessels and nerve 



Aperture for 

 sciatic aiul puJic 

 vessels and nerve 



Coccygeal fibres of 

 levator ani 



Fibres of leva 

 tor ani 



Sphincter ani 



RECTUM 



• White line ' of 

 obturator fascia 



Pubic attachment 

 of levator ani 



Tendinous centre 

 of pennaeum 



namely, the prostate and bladder (forming the capsule of the former and the 'true 

 ligaments ' of the latter), the vasa deferentia and vesifula3 seminales. the lower part 

 of the rectum, and, in the female, the vagina and uterus. Its visceral portion is 

 easy to trace in the immediate neighbourhood of its reflexion, but it becomes less 

 distinct as it rccedrs from this ]ioint, and at length is undcmonstrable. 



The ischio-rectal or anal fascia, originating at the white line Ix-low the fascial 

 attaehment of tlu- levator ani, closely invests the parietal or ischio-rectal surface 

 of this muscle, and that of its neighbour, the coccygeus. to blend in the region of 

 the anus with the deej) fascial covering of the external sjihineter. In front it passes 

 above the perina-al structures, ])ecoming continuous with the superior triangular 

 ligament (a prolongation of the obturator fascia), and meeting with the recto-vesical 



