ABDOMEN 



its two layers will be studied when the superficial layer is 

 reflected. 



The inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm is not 

 an unbroken continuous layer. It is pierced (i) by the 

 urethra; (2) by the internal pudendal arteries; (3) by the 

 dorsal nerves of the penis ; (4) by the arteries to the bulb ; 

 (5) and lastly, at its base, where it blends with the superficial 

 fascia, by the superficial perineal vessels and nerves. The 

 aperture for the urethra is situated in the middle line, one 

 inch below the symphysis pubis. It is not a clean-cut hole 

 with sharp edges. The margins of the opening, which are 

 separated by a considerable interval from the circumference 

 of the urethra, are prolonged over the bulb of the penis so 

 as to form for it an aponeurotic capsule. As soon as the 

 urethra gains the superficial aspect of the fascia it sinks 

 into the bulb, and is carried forwards through the entire 

 length of the corpus cavernosum urethrse to its external 

 opening on the glans penis. On either side of the urethral 

 aperture there is a small opening in the fascia which 

 gives passage to the corresponding artery to the bulb. Half 

 an inch farther forwards the dorsal nerve of the penis and 

 the internal pudendal artery pierce the fascia on either side, 

 close to the margin of the pubic arch, and under cover of 

 the corresponding crus penis. 



The term "inferior or superficial fascia" of the urogenital 

 diaphragm which is applied to this membrane, implies that 

 there is a deeper or superior fascia to be studied in connec- 

 tion with it ; and so there is. But whilst these fasciae 

 are very intimately connected, they must be looked upon 

 as being distinct structures. The superficial or inferior fascia 

 of the urogenital diaphragm is in the same morphological 

 plane as the bony wall of the pelvis and the obturator mem- 

 brane, and, in fact, completes the pelvic wall in front. The 

 superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm is simply the parietal 

 layer of the pelvic fascia carried round to the front of the 

 pelvis. Consequently the connections of the latter layer can 

 be examined very much better in conjunction with the pelvic 

 fascia. It should now be noted (i) that it forms with the 

 inferior fascia the urogenital diaphragm ; (2) that the anterior 

 and posterior margins of the two layers are blended together ; 

 (3) that the intermediate interval between the two is closed 

 laterally by the attachment of both layers to the margins of 



