Transversalis fascia
Encyclopedia
The transversalis fascia (or transverse fascia) is a thin aponeurotic membrane which lies between the inner surface of the Transversus abdominis and the extraperitoneal fascia.
It forms part of the general layer of fascia
lining the abdominal parietes, and is directly continuous with the iliac
and pelvic fasciae.
In the inguinal region, the transversalis fascia is thick and dense in structure and is joined by fibers from the aponeurosis of the Transversus, but it becomes thin as it ascends to the diaphragm, and blends with the fascia covering the under surface of this muscle.
Below, it has the following attachments: posteriorly, to the whole length of the iliac crest
, between the attachments of the Transversus and Iliacus; between the anterior superior iliac spine
and the femoral vessels it is connected to the posterior margin of the inguinal ligament
, and is there continuous with the iliac fascia
.
Medial to the femoral vessels it is thin and attached to the pubis
and pectineal line
, behind the inguinal falx, with which it is united; it descends in front of the femoral vessels to form the anterior wall of the femoral sheath
.
Beneath the inguinal ligament it is strengthened by a band of fibrous tissue, which is only loosely connected to the ligament, and is specialized as the iliopubic tract.
in the male and the round ligament of the uterus in the female pass through the transversalis fascia at a spot called the deep inguinal ring
.
This opening is not visible externally, since the transversalis fascia is prolonged on these structures as the internal spermatic fascia
.
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It forms part of the general layer of fascia
Fascia
A fascia is a layer of fibrous tissue that permeates the human body. A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding those structures together in much the same manner as plastic wrap can be used to hold the contents of sandwiches...
lining the abdominal parietes, and is directly continuous with the iliac
Iliac
Iliac can refer to one of the following:* Iliac artery* Ilium * Iliac vein* Iliac fossa...
and pelvic fasciae.
In the inguinal region, the transversalis fascia is thick and dense in structure and is joined by fibers from the aponeurosis of the Transversus, but it becomes thin as it ascends to the diaphragm, and blends with the fascia covering the under surface of this muscle.
Borders
Behind, it is lost in the fat which covers the posterior surfaces of the kidneys.Below, it has the following attachments: posteriorly, to the whole length of the iliac crest
Iliac crest
-External links: - "Superficial muscles of the gluteal region and posterior thigh." - "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Osteology and Surface Anatomy " - "The Back, Posterior View" * *...
, between the attachments of the Transversus and Iliacus; between the anterior superior iliac spine
Anterior superior iliac spine
The anterior superior iliac spine is an important landmark of surface anatomy. It refers to the anterior extremity of the iliac crest of the pelvis, which provides attachment for the inguinal ligament, and the sartorius muscle...
and the femoral vessels it is connected to the posterior margin of the inguinal ligament
Inguinal ligament
The inguinal ligament is a band running from the pubic tubercle to the anterior superior iliac spine. Its anatomy is very important for operating on hernia patients.-Anatomy:...
, and is there continuous with the iliac fascia
Iliac fascia
The iliac fascia is a fascia in the pelvic area of the human body.It has the following connections:* laterally, to the whole length of the inner lip of the iliac crest....
.
Medial to the femoral vessels it is thin and attached to the pubis
Pubis (bone)
In vertebrates, the pubic bone is the ventral and anterior of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis.It is covered by a layer of fat, which is covered by the mons pubis....
and pectineal line
Pectineal line
On the posterior surface of the femur, the intermediate ridge or pectineal line is continued to the base of the lesser trochanter and gives attachment to the pectineus muscle....
, behind the inguinal falx, with which it is united; it descends in front of the femoral vessels to form the anterior wall of the femoral sheath
Femoral sheath
The femoral sheath is formed by a prolongation downward, behind the inguinal ligament, of the fasciæ which line the abdomen, the transversalis fascia being continued down in front of the femoral vessels and the iliac fascia behind them....
.
Beneath the inguinal ligament it is strengthened by a band of fibrous tissue, which is only loosely connected to the ligament, and is specialized as the iliopubic tract.
Opening
The spermatic cordSpermatic cord
The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the ductus deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle.-Contents of spermatic cord:...
in the male and the round ligament of the uterus in the female pass through the transversalis fascia at a spot called the deep inguinal ring
Deep inguinal ring
The deep inguinal ring is the entrance to the inguinal canal.-Location:...
.
This opening is not visible externally, since the transversalis fascia is prolonged on these structures as the internal spermatic fascia
Internal spermatic fascia
The internal spermatic fascia is a thin layer, which loosely invests the cord; it is a continuation downward of the transversalis fascia....
.
External links
- "Layers of the anterior wall." - "Inguinal Region, Scrotum and Testes: The Inguinal canalInguinal canal
The inguinal canal is a passage in the anterior abdominal wall which in men conveys the spermatic cord and in women the round ligament. The inguinal canal is larger and more prominent in men.-Site:...
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