Membranous Layer of Abdominal Subcutaneous Tissue

Anatomical Relations

The membranous layer of abdominal subcutaneous tissue, or Scarpa’s fascia, is a thin membrane that is found under the skin and subcutaneous fat of the lower abdominal wall (Stecco and Hammer, 2014). Its upper attachment is at a point between the mid axillary line and the midclavicular line, along the costal margin, to a point approximately 2 cm below the umbilicus. It is continuous with the superficial fascia of the rest of the trunk superiorly. In the midline, Scarpa’s fascia is fused with the external abdominal oblique aponeurosis, rectus sheath, linea alba, pubic symphysis, and corresponding fascia on the opposite side. It blends with the deep fascia of external abdominal oblique muscle at the mid-axillary line and the thoracolumbar fascia posteriorly. Inferiorly, Scarpa’s fascia runs over the outer part of the inguinal ligament from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle, to fuse with the fascia lata of the thigh. It is continuous anteriorly and inferiorly with the perineal fascia (or superficial investing fascia of the perineum).