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Anatomy

Subcutaneous Tissue of Penis

/suhb-kyoot-tey-nee-uhs tish-oo of pee-nis/ 

Eponym: Colles' Fascia

Structure:

The subcutaneous tissue of the perineum, commonly referred to as Colles’ fascia, is the deep membranous layer of the superficial perineal fascia. It is a continuation of the deep membranous layer of the superficial fascia of the anterior abdominal wall, known as Scarpa’s fascia, extending inferiorly into the perineal region.[1] This fascial layer is confined to the urogenital triangle of the perineum and plays a key role in defining the boundaries of the superficial perineal space.

Posteriorly, the subcutaneous tissue of the perineum fuses with the deep perineal fascia along the posterior margin of the perineal membrane, preventing its extension into the anal triangle. Laterally, it attaches to the fascia lata of the thigh, forming a firm boundary that limits the spread of fluids. Anteriorly, this fascial layer is continuous with the dartos fascia of the penis and scrotum, which contains smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue.[1] Through these attachments, Colles’ fascia maintains structural continuity between the abdominal wall, perineum, and external genitalia.

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Function:

The subcutaneous tissue of the perineum forms the superficial boundary of the superficial perineal space and serves an important protective function. In cases of rupture of the intermediate (bulbar) portion of the urethra, this fascia helps confine the extravasation of urine or blood within predictable anatomical limits.[1] Its lateral attachment to the fascia lata prevents the spread of fluid into the thighs, while its posterior fusion with the deep perineal fascia restricts extension into the anal triangle.[1] As a result, Colles’ fascia plays a clinically significant role in directing the spread of fluid collections following perineal injury.

References:

  1. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 6. ed., internat. ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010. 

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