376 ABDOMEN 



The perineal nerve gives off (i) the posterior labial 

 branches to the skin covering the labium majus : they 

 correspond with the posterior scrotal nerves in the male ; 

 (2) muscular twigs to all the perineal muscles; and (3) a 

 branch to the bulb of the vagina. 



The dorsal nerve of the clitoris gives a twig to the corpus 

 cavernosum, and runs forwards with the artery of the same 

 name between the crura to reach the dorsum of the clitoris. 



Dorsal Vessels and Nerves of the Clitoris. On the 

 dorsum of the clitoris a little dissection will display the dorsal 

 vein occupying the groove in the middle line, with a dorsal 

 artery and nerve lying upon each side of it. 



The arteries and nerves should be traced forwards to 

 their distribution in the glans. 



The dorsal vein of the clitoris takes origin in the glans. 

 As it proceeds backwards it receives certain superficial veins, 

 and also tributaries from the corpus cavernosum clitoridis. 

 At the root of the clitoris it passes between the transverse 

 ligament of the pelvis and the arcuate ligament of the pubes, 

 and is continued backwards into the pelvis, to join the plexus 

 of veins on the wall of the vagina in the region of the neck of 

 the bladder. It communicates also with the internal pudendal 

 vein. 



ABDOMINAL WALL. 



After the dissection of the perineum is completed, the 

 body is placed upon its back, with blocks under the thorax 

 and pelvis, and the dissectors of the abdomen begin the dissec- 

 tion of the abdominal wall (Fig. 141). 



External Anatomy. It is well, however, before proceeding 

 to the actual dissection of the part, that some attention should 

 be paid to the general configuration and bony prominences 

 of the region. If the subject is obese the abdomen presents 

 a smooth, rounded, and protuberant appearance ; if, on the 

 other hand, it is spare, the abdominal wall is depressed, and 

 the lower margin of the thorax above, and the pubes, crest of 

 the ilium, and the inguinal ligaments below, stand out in 

 marked relief. In the middle line the student will notice a 

 linear depression, extending downwards towards the symphysis. 

 This corresponds with the linea alba or the interval between 



