The pelvic and perineal fasciae and their neural and vascular relationships

This study was based upon a dissection of the pelvic fasciae and associated structures of one hundred and three adult pelves as well as those of three full term fetuses. The perineal fasciae and their neural and vascular relationships were studied in an additional 55 specimens. The uterovaginal fascia, as stated by others, is a well‐defined structure. One is usually able, on the basis of a fascial cleft, to distinguish readily between the fascial sheath of rectum proper and the deeper layer of subperitoneal fascia, called by some the presacral fascia. The latter is described, including the relationship of the pelvic autonomics thereto. The relationship of the vesical branches of the pelvic plexus and of the venous plexuses to the terminal ureter are also described. We were able to confirm the presence of a superficial and a deep perineal fascia; the latter forms the inferior boundary of the superficial perineal space proper, as described by others. The relationship of particular nerves (and vessels) to the fascial planes of the perineum follows a definite pattern even when variation from the normal is present.