Intermediate
Technical
IVT
dartos fascia
Pronunciation: dar-tos fash-ee-ah
The thin layer of smooth muscle and connective tissue beneath the scrotal and penile skin.
Full Definition
Dartos fascia is a thin layer of smooth muscle and connective tissue located beneath the skin of the scrotum and penis. In pediatric urological surgery, dartos fascia is commonly used as a vascularized tissue layer for coverage in hypospadias repairs and other reconstructive procedures. The dartos layer has excellent blood supply and healing properties, making it valuable for preventing fistula formation and providing additional tissue coverage.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized when referring to the specific anatomical structure; derived from Greek 'dartos' meaning skinned.
In Context
- "A dartos fascia flap was mobilized to provide waterproof coverage over the urethral repair." — operative report
- "The dartos fascia appeared well-vascularized and suitable for tissue transfer." — surgical consultation note
Also known as
dartos layer
dartos muscle
Don't confuse with
Buck's fascia
Colles' fascia