The fatty layer of abdominal subcutaneous tissue, commonly referred to as Camper’s fascia, lies immediately deep to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall. It is composed primarily of adipose tissue interspersed with loose connective tissue and extends from the xiphoid process superiorly to the inguinal ligaments inferiorly, and laterally between the costal margins.[1,2]

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Superior to the umbilicus, the thickness and composition of this fatty layer are generally consistent with subcutaneous tissue found elsewhere in the body. Inferior to the umbilicus, however, the subcutaneous tissue becomes more differentiated. In this region, the superficial fatty layer thickens, while a deeper membranous layer of subcutaneous tissue becomes more prominent and is reinforced by elastic and collagen fibers.[2] Inferiorly, the fatty layer continues beyond the inguinal ligaments as the subcutaneous fat of the thigh and extends medially into the perineum.

 

The distribution of Camper’s fascia within the perineum varies by sex. In individuals assigned male at birth, the fatty layer diminishes as it approaches the scrotum and contributes to the formation of the dartos fascia. In individuals assigned female at birth, it persists as the fatty tissue of the mons pubis and labia majora and remains continuous with the superficial fatty layer of the abdominal wall.[2]