Endopelvic part of the pelvic fascia

The endopelvic part of the pelvic fascia is continued over the various pelvic viscera to form for the fibrous coverings.

It is attached to the diaphragmatic part of the pelvic fascia along the tendinous arch, and has been subdivided in accordance with the viscera to which it is related.

Thus its anterior part, known as the vesical layer, forms the anterior and lateral ligaments of the bladder.

Its middle part crosses the floor of the pelvis between the rectum and vesiculæ seminales as the rectovesical layer; in the female this is perforated by the vagina.

Its posterior portion passes to the side of the rectum; it forms a loose sheath for the rectum, but is firmly attached around the anal canal; this portion is known as the rectal layer.