3 86 



ABDOMEN 



and strongest inferiorly, that it is narrowest about the level of 

 the umbilicus, and that it widens somewhat again towards the 

 ribs. Superiorly it is so thin that the fibres of the rectus 

 muscle shine through it. 



Annulus Inguinalis Subcutaneus (O.T. External Abdominal 

 Ring) (Figs. 144 and 145). In the male, the aponeurosis of 

 the external oblique is pierced, immediately above the pubes, 

 by the spermatic cord ; in the female it is pierced, at the same 

 point and in the same manner, by the round ligament of the 



Elastic tissue passing down to 

 suspensory ligament of the penis 



Subcutaneous inguinal ring 



Aponeurosis of 

 the external 

 oblique 



Large 

 saphenous vein 



FIG. 144. Dissection of the Subcutaneous Inguinal Ring and the parts 

 in its vicinity. 



uterus. The aperture which is thus formed receives the name 

 of the subcutaneous inguinal ring. At the present stage of the 

 dissection this opening is not visible, because a thin fascial 

 covering is carried downwards from its lips upon the spermatic 

 cord or on the round ligament of the uterus. This is called 

 the external spermatic or the intercrural fascia. If the cord be 

 raised and rendered tense, this covering will be observed to 

 invest it completely, and to be somewhat funnel-shaped 

 wide above, but closing upon the cord as it is traced down- 

 wards. 



With the point of the knife divide the external spermatic 



