Parietal fascia

The parietal fascia is a layer of connective tissue that lines the inner surface of the body wall within the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities. It lies deep to the muscles of the body wall and superficial to the parietal serous membrane (such as parietal layers of pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum).

Examples

• Endothoracic fascia – between the thoracic wall and parietal pleura.

• Transversalis fascia – between the transversus abdominis muscle and parietal peritoneum.

• Endopelvic fascia – lining the pelvic walls beneath the parietal peritoneum.

Difference from Parietal Peritoneum

• The parietal fascia is a fibrous connective tissue layer; the parietal peritoneum is a serous membrane composed of mesothelium.

• The fascia provides mechanical support and forms an attachment plane, while the peritoneum provides a smooth, lubricated lining for the cavity.

• Anatomically, the parietal fascia lies external (superficial) to the parietal peritoneum.

Layer order (from superficial to deep)

Muscle → Parietal fascia → Parietal peritoneum → Peritoneal cavity