Transversalis Fascia Tendinous Component

fascia transversalis (pars tendinea)

The transversalis fascia is the innermost layer of the abdominal wall, lining the transversus abdominis muscle internally and blending with the posterior rectus sheath above the arcuate line. Its tendinous condensation at the deep inguinal ring forms the internal spermatic fascia covering the spermatic cord.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall
Boundaries	Deep to transversus abdominis Continuous with the rest of the endoabdominal fascia Attached below to the iliac crest, inguinal ligament and pecten pubis Opened by the deep inguinal ring
Contents	Deep inguinal ring

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Forms most of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and gives the internal spermatic fascia to the spermatic cord.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The transversalis fascia is the key layer in Shouldice inguinal hernia repair, where double-breasting of this fascia reconstructs the posterior inguinal floor. In laparoscopic hernia repair, the preperitoneal space deep to the transversalis fascia is developed. The fascia is also the layer that must be closed in trocar site hernia prevention during laparoscopic surgery above 10 mm port sites.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Transversalis Fascia Defect (Direct Inguinal Hernia)

Weakness in the transversalis fascia medial to the inferior epigastric vessels allowing direct protrusion through the Hesselbach triangle, repaired by fascial repair or mesh reinforcement in the preperitoneal space.

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