Camper Fascia

fascia superficialis abdominalis (stratum adiposum)

Camper fascia is the superficial fatty layer of the superficial fascia of the anterior abdominal wall, lying between the skin and the deeper Scarpa fascia. It is a continuous fatty layer that extends into the thigh as the superficial fascia of the thigh, over the mons pubis, and into the perineum. It contains the superficial vessels and nerves of the subcutaneous tissue.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Provides the superficial subcutaneous fatty layer of the anterior abdominal wall and perineum, allowing skin mobility, acting as a thermal insulator, and carrying the superficial neurovascular supply.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Camper fascia is the layer entered during liposuction of the abdominal wall, where ultrasound-assisted liposuction targets this layer. In abdominoplasty, the Camper fascia and the deep Scarpa fascia are distinguished during flap elevation. In inguinal hernia anatomy, Camper fascia is the outer layer encountered during the inguinal incision. In perineal anatomy, Camper fascia is continuous with the colles fascia of the perineum and contains superficial perineal space contents.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Fournier Gangrene Spreading through Camper Fascia

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum spreads rapidly through Camper fascia and its perineal continuation (Colles fascia) into the inguinal regions and lower abdominal wall while being contained by the Scarpa fascia from spreading to the thigh; surgical debridement follows the fascial planes to define the extent of necrosis.