Membranous layer of abdominal subcutaneous tissue

The membranous layer of abdominal subcutaneous tissue (previously deep layer of the superficial fascia of abdomen; Fascia of Scarpa) is thinner and more membranous in character than the superficial layer (Fatty layer of abdominal subcutaneous tissue), and contains a considerable quantity of yellow elastic fibers.

It is loosely connected by areolar tissue to the aponeurosis of the Obliquus externus abdominis, but in the middle line it is more intimately adherent to the linea alba and to the symphysis pubis, and is prolonged on to the dorsum of the penis, forming the fundiform ligament; above, it is continuous with the superficial fascia over the rest of the trunk; below and laterally, it blends with the fascia lata of the thigh a little below the inguinal ligament; medially and below, it is continued over the penis and spermatic cord to the scrotum, where it helps to form the dartos. From the scrotum it may be traced backward into continuity with the deep layer of the superficial fascia of the perineum, the membranous layer of perineal subcutaneous tissue (fascia of Colles). In the female, it is continued into the labia majora and thence to the the membranous layer of perineal subcutaneous tissue (fascia of Colles).