Fig. 167. Inguinal Region; 2nd Layer. Fossa Ovalis (Saphenous 



Opening). 



Specimen from a man aged ^^. Skin, Siihcittaneotis Tissue and Lymphatic 

 Glands have been removed. The Lymphatic Vessels whicli perforate the Deep 

 Fascia in one region — the Cribriform Fascia — have also been removed. The 

 Fossa ovalis {Saphenous Opening) , and above the Femoral Vein, the " Infindibuliform 

 Process" (Waldeyer) derived from the Transversalis Fascia are shewn. 



Not only the Aponeurosis proper of the External Abdominal Oblique 

 Muscle but also the Fascia Lata and the Fascia covering' the Pectineus Muscle 

 etc., may be looked upon as tendinous expansions of this Muscle. Not only in 

 animals, but also in man, this muscle extends directly or indirectly on to the 

 Thigh. The Fascia Lata can be made tense in all bodies by pulling on the 

 External Oblique Muscle. Below PoUPART's Ligament, special arrangements occur 

 which have been produced by the passage of the Vessels through the Fascia. 



The usual description given is: The Fascia Lata which envelopes the 

 thigh, like a tense membrane, divides below the inner part of PouPART's Liga- 

 ment into 2 layers. The Deep Layer blends with the Ilio-Pectineal Fascia, and 

 passes upwards behind the Vessels. The Superficial Layer is attached to Pou- 

 PART's Ligament; over the Femoral Vein and internal to it, this fascia is per- 

 forated at many points, through which Superficial Vessels enter the deep layers 

 (Cribriform Fascia). When this fascia is removed together with the subjacent fat, 

 a groove is exposed; Fossa Ovalis or Saphenous Opening. The lower margin 

 of this opening is always sharp (the Falciform Margin); over this the Long 

 Saphenous Vein passes to open into the Femoral Vein. The upper and outer 

 margin which can be dissected out is attached above to Poupart's Ligament, 

 and partly to Gimbernat's Ligament. The Saphenous Opening is merel}' 

 intended for the transmission of vessels comparable to many other openings in 

 superficial fasciae, through which veins pass; with this difference that the opening 

 is too large for the vein. 



The Superficial Vessels which pierce this Fascia are : — on the inner side. 

 External Pudic Vessels; above. Superficial Epigastric Vessels; on the outer side, 

 the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Vessels. Like all vessels situated close to their 

 origin from a large artery or near their opening into a large vein, these small 

 vessels bleed furiously when cut. 



