Fasciae and Ligaments of the Anterior Abdominal Wall

Fasciae and Ligaments of the Anterior Abdominal Wall Are organized into superficial (tela subcutanea) and deep layers; the superficial layer has a thin fatty (Camper's fascia ), and the deep layer has a membranous layer (Scarpa's fascia ). Superficial fascia Superficial layer of the superficial fascia (Camper's fascia) Continues over the inguinal ligament to merge with the superficial fascia of the thigh. Continues over the pubis and perineum as the superficial layer of the superficial perineal fascia. Deep layer of the superficial fascia (Scarpa's fascia) Is attached to the fascia lata just below the inguinal ligament. Continues over the pubis and perineum as the membranous layer (Colles' fascia ) of the superficial perin fascia. Continues over the penis as the superficial fascia of the penis and over the scrotum as the tunica darto which contains smooth muscle. May contain extravasated urine between this fascia and the deep fascia of the abdomen, resulting from rupture of the spongy urethra. Deep fascia Covers the muscles and continues over the spermatic cord at the superficial inguinal ring as the external spermatic fascia. Linea alba Is a tendinous median raphe between the two rectus abdominis muscles, extending from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. Is formed by the fusion of the aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse muscle to the abdomen. Linea semilunaris Is a curved line along the lateral border of the rectus abdominis. Linea semicircularis (arcuate line) Is a crescent-shaped line marking the inferior limit of the posterior layer of the rectus sheath just below level of the iliac crest. Lacunar ligament (Gimbernat's ligament) Represents the medial triangular expansion of the inguinal ligament to the pectineal line of the pubis. Forms the medial border of the femoral ring and the floor of the inguinal canal. Pectineal (Cooper's) ligament Is a strong fibrous band that extends laterally from the lacunar ligament along the pectineal line Inguinal ligament (Poupart's ligament) Is the folded lower border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, extending between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle. Forms the floor (inferior wall) of the inguinal canal. Iliopectineal arcus or ligament Is a fascial partition that separates the muscular (lateral) and vascular (medial) lacunae deep to the inguinal ligament. The muscular lacuna transmits the iliopsoas muscle. The vascular lacuna transmits the femoral sheath and its contents, including the femoral vessels, a femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve, and the femoral canal. Reflected inguinal ligament Is formed by certain fibers of the inguinal ligament reflected from the pubic tubercle upward toward the linea alba. Also has some reflection from the lacunar ligament. Falx inguinalis (conjoint tendon) Is formed by the aponeuroses of the internal oblique and transverse muscles of the abdomen and is into the pubic tubercle. Strengthens the posterior wall of the medial half of the inguinal canal. Rectus sheath Is formed by fusion of the aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse muscle of the abdomen. Encloses the rectus abdominis and sometimes the pyramidal muscle. Also contains the superior and inferior epigastric vessels and the ventral primary rami of thoracic nerves Anterior layer of the rectus sheath Above the arcuate line: aponeuroses of the external and internal oblique muscles. Below the arcuate line: aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse muscles Posterior layer of the rectus sheath Above the arcuate line: aponeuroses of the internal oblique and transverse muscles. Below the arcuate line: rectus abdominis is in contact with the transversalis fascia. ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage