A C-section involves an incision through seven layers of tissue.
The Layers Involved
During a Cesarean section, the surgeon cuts through the following layers:
- Skin: The outermost layer of the body.
- Subcutaneous fat: A layer of fatty tissue beneath the skin.
- Fascia: Connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. This can include multiple layers such as Camper's fascia (superficial fatty layer) and Scarpa's fascia (deep membranous layer).
- Muscle: Abdominal muscles that are separated and retracted to access the uterus.
- Peritoneum: The membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
- Uterine wall: The layers of the uterus itself, which are then incised to deliver the baby.
While some sources mention six layers, focusing solely on the abdominal wall, the complete procedure, including the uterine incision, involves seven distinct tissue layers. The number of fascial layers can vary depending on the individual's anatomy.
Several sources support this information: News from Loma Linda University explicitly states seven layers are cut, including skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscle, and peritoneum. WebMD also confirms seven layers. Although Dr. Guy Skinner's article mentions six layers for the abdominal wall, it omits the uterine layers, necessitating a more comprehensive count for the entire procedure.
The exact number of layers might vary slightly based on individual anatomical differences, but seven represents the standard count considering the whole surgical process.
