Superior fascia of pelvic diaphragm

Superior fascia of pelvic diaphragm
File:Gray402.png
Coronal section of pelvis, showing arrangement of fasciae. Viewed from behind.
Latin	fascia superior diaphragmatis pelvis
Gray's	subject #119 421

The diaphragmatic part of the pelvic fascia covers both surfaces of the Levatores ani. The layer covering the upper surface of the pelvic diaphragm follows, above, the line of origin of the Levator ani and is therefore somewhat variable.

In front it is attached to the back of the symphysis pubis about 2 cm above its lower border.

It can then be traced laterally across the back of the superior ramus of the pubis for a distance of about 1.25 cm, when it reaches the obturator fascia.

It is attached to this fascia along a line which pursues a somewhat irregular course to the spine of the ischium.

The irregularity of this line is because the origin of the Levator ani, which in lower forms is from the pelvic brim, is in man lower down, on the obturator fascia.

Tendinous fibers of origin of the muscle are therefore often found extending up toward, and in some cases reaching, the pelvic brim, and on these the fascia is carried.

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained within it may be outdated.