Deep Fascial Layers

In addition to the superficial layers of the abdominal fascia, there are three additional layers of abdominal fascia deep to the anterolateral muscle layers (Figure 7-2B,C).

Transversalis fascia. A thin, aponeurotic membrane, deep to the transverse abdominis muscle.

Extraperitoneal fat. A thin layer of connective tissue and fat lining the abdominal wall between the transversalis fascia and the parietal peritoneum. The extraperitoneal fat is more abundant in the posterior abdominal wall, especially around the kidneys and in the pelvic floor.

Parietal peritoneum. Parietal peritoneum is a serous membrane lining the internal surface of the abdominal wall. The parietal peritoneum forms the mesentery that suspends the abdominal viscera and is continuous with the visceral peritoneum. The parietal peritoneum is innervated segmentally by the ventral rami of the spinal (somatic) nerves that course in the abdominal body wall.

VA Caesarean section ("C-section") is a surgical procedure for which incisions are made through a pregnant woman's abdomen to access the uterus for delivery of the infant. The most common incision location for a C-section is the lower uterine section (known as the "bikini-line incision"), where a transverse cut is made superior to the pubis and bladder, through all layers of the anterior abdominal wall. From superficial to deep, the layers cut through during a C-section are the skin, Camper's fascia, Scarpa's fascia, rectus sheath, pyramidalis muscle, rectus abdominis muscle, transversalis fascia, extraperi-toneal fascia, and, finally, the parietal peritoneum. An alternative location is a midline incision through the linea alba, allowing a larger opening for delivery of the infant. ▼

Pectoralis major m. Serratus anterior m

Linea alba-External oblique m Umbilicus

Anterior superior iliac spine

Inguinal ligament

Inguinal canal

Pectoralis major m. Serratus anterior m

Linea alba-External oblique m Umbilicus

Anterior superior iliac spine

Inguinal ligament

Tendinous intersection

Pyramidalis m.

Rectus abdominis m. (covered by rectus sheath)

Rectus abdominis m. (anterior layer of the rectus sheath removed)

External oblique m. (cut)

Internal oblique m. (cut)

Transversus abdominis m.

Tendinous intersection

Pyramidalis m.

Rectus abdominis m.

Extraperitoneal fascia

Linea alba

Rectus abdominis m.

Linea alba

Superficial fascia:

Camper's fascia Scarpa's fascia

External oblique m. Internal oblique m.

\ \ ^-Parietal peritoneum

Transversalis fascia Skin

Superficial fascia:

Camper's fascia Scarpa's fascia

External oblique m. Internal oblique m.

Transversus abdominis m.

External oblique m. Internal oblique m.

Transversus abdominis m.

-Transversus abdominis m.

Parietal peritoneum

Extraperitoneal fascia in the retroperitoneal space

Figure 7-2: A. Step dissection of the anterior abdominal wall muscles. B. Horizontal section of the rectus sheath inferior to the arcuate line. C. Fascial and muscular layers of the abdomen in horizontal section superior to the arcuate line.

-Transversus abdominis m.

Parietal peritoneum

Extraperitoneal fascia in the retroperitoneal space

Figure 7-2: A. Step dissection of the anterior abdominal wall muscles. B. Horizontal section of the rectus sheath inferior to the arcuate line. C. Fascial and muscular layers of the abdomen in horizontal section superior to the arcuate line.

Continue reading here: Inguinal Canal Structure

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