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Transversalis fascia

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Transversalis fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that is located within the abdominal wall of the human body. It is an important structure that plays a crucial role in providing support and protection to the organs within the abdominal cavity.[2]

Structure

The transversalis fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that is composed of collagen fibers and elastic fibers. It is located within the abdominal wall, lying deep to the external oblique muscle and superficial to the parietal peritoneum. The transversalis fascia is continuous with the fascia of the iliopsoas muscle and the lumbar fascia of the posterior abdominal wall.[4][3]

Location

The transversalis fascia is located within the abdominal wall, specifically within the posterior abdominal wall. [1]It is found deep to the external oblique muscle and superficial to the parietal peritoneum, which is a thin layer of serous membrane that covers the inner surface of the abdominal wall.[6]

Function

The main function of the transversalis fascia is to provide support and protection to the organs within the abdominal cavity. It helps to hold the organs in place and prevent them from being displaced. The transversalis fascia also plays a role in protecting the organs from external trauma.[8]

Clinical significance

The transversalis fascia is an important structure that is often involved in various clinical conditions. For example, it can be injured during abdominal surgery, which can lead to hernias or other complications. In addition, the transversalis fascia may be involved in the development of abdominal wall tumors, such as sarcomas.[7]

References

  1. Standring S. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Elsevier; 2020. ISBN 978-0702077050.
  2. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2018. ISBN 978-1496347213.
  3. Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018. ISBN 978-0323393225.
  4. Hollinshead WH. Anatomy for Surgeons: Volume 2, The Thorax, Abdomen, and Pelvis. 3rd ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1982. ISBN 978-0397504066.
  5. Skandalakis JE, Skandalakis PN, Skandalakis LJ. Surgical Anatomy and Technique: A Pocket Manual. 4th ed. Springer; 2021. ISBN 978-3030356227.
  6. Ellis H, Feldman SA, Harrop-Griffiths W. Anatomy for Anaesthetists. 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2018. ISBN 978-1118375945.
  7. Williams PL, Bannister LH, Berry MM, et al. Gray’s Anatomy. 38th ed. Churchill Livingstone; 1995. ISBN 978-0443045608.
  8. Testut L, Jacob O. Traité d’Anatomie Humaine. 8th ed. Masson; 1939. [This is an older reference but a classic in anatomical studies.]