The Musculature of the Trigonum Vesicae

Abstract

In 1753, Lieutaud described the trigonum Lieutaud named after him (or trigonum vesicae). In modern anatomy textbooks (Schiebler et al.1999), the trigonum vesicae is described as a creaseless triangular area, limited by the prominent corners of the ureteric orifices and the ostium urethrae internum. The literature contains differing opinions over whether the trigonum vesicae is formed by an independent muscular structure (Kalischer 1900; Dorschner 1984) or whether (as described above) it is just a prominent area in the bottom area of the bladder. Another topic of discussion is whether the trigonum vesicae is formed by one or more muscle layers and the extent to which these muscle layers expand into their surroundings, especially to the collum vesicae. The Terminologia Anatomica (1998) defines a musculus trigoni vesicae superficialis and musculus trigoni vesicae profundus, and therefore favours the view that the trigonum vesicae consists of a number of layers.

“… it should also be mentioned that the recent anatomical nomenclature does not include a term for a smooth sphincter. Though we find descriptions of the same in the most common anatomical and clinical manuals, opinions diverge concerning its location and extent … ” (Kalischer 1900)