KNEE-JOINT, 301 



separated from the capsular ligament by a synovial bursa ; above, the short 

 head of the Rectus and Gluteus Minimus, the latter being closely adherent to 

 the capsule; internally, the Obturator Externus and Pectineus; behind, the 

 Pyriformis, Gemellus Superior, Obturator Internus, Gemellus Inferior, Obtu 

 rator Externus, and Quadratus Femoris. 



The Arteries supplying the joint are derived from the obturator, sciatic, in- 

 ternal circumflex, and gluteal. 



The Nerves are articular branches from the sacral plexus, great sciatic, obtu- 

 rator, and accessory obturator nerves. 



Actions. The movements of the hips, like all enarthrodial joints, are very 

 extensive; they are, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, circumductiou, 

 and rotation. 



II. KNEE-JOINT. 



The Knee is a ginglymus, or hinge-joint ; the bones entering into its forma- 

 tion are, the condyles of the femur above, the head of the tibia below, and the 

 patella in front. The articular surfaces are covered with cartilage, and con- 

 nected together by ligaments, some of which are placed on the exterior of the 

 joint, whilst others occupy its interior. 



External Ligaments. Internal Ligaments. 



Anterior, or Ligamentum Patellaa. Anterior, or External Crucial. 



Posterior, or Ligamentum Posticum Posterior, or Internal Crucial. 



Winslowii. Two Semilunar Fibro-cartilages. 



Internal Lateral. Transverse. 



Two External Lateral. Coronary. 



Capsular. Ligamentum Mucosum. 



Ligamenta Alaria. 



The Anterior Ligament, or Ligamentum Patellae (Fig. 206), is that portion of 

 the common tendon of the extensor muscles of the thigh which is continued 

 from the patella to the tubercle of the tibia, supplying the place of an anterior 

 ligament. It is a strong, flat, ligamentous band, about three inches in length, 

 attached, above, to the apex of the patella and the rough depression on its 

 posterior surface ; below, to the lower part of the tuberosity of the tibia ; its 

 superficial fibres being continuous across the front of the patella with those of 

 the tendon of the Quadriceps Extensor. Two synovial bursae are connected 

 with this ligament and the patella ; one is interposed between the patella and 

 the skin covering its anterior surface ; the other of small size, between the 

 ligamentum patellae and the upper part of the tuberosity of the tibia. The 

 posterior surface of this ligament is separated above from the knee-joint by a 

 large mass of adipose tissue ; its lateral margins are continuous with the apo- 

 neuroses derived from the Vasti muscles. 



The Posterior Ligament, Ligamentum Posticum Winslowii (Fig. 207), is a broad, 

 flat, fibrous band, which covers over the whole of the back part of the joint. 

 It consists of two lateral portions, formed chiefly of vertical fibres, which arise 

 above from the condyles of the femur, and are connected below with the back 

 part of the head of the tibia, being closely united with the tendons of the Gas- 

 troonemius, Plantaris, and Popliteus muscles ; the central portion is formed of 

 fasciculi, obliquely directed and separated from one another by apertures for 

 the passage of vessels. The strongest of these fasciculi is derived from the 

 tendon of the Semi-mernbranosus, and passes from the back part of the inner 

 tuberosity of the tibia, obliquely upwards and outwards to the back part of the 

 outer condyle of the femur. The posterior ligament forms part of the floor of 

 the popliteal space, and the popliteal artery rests upon it. 



The Internal Lateral Ligament is a broad, flat, membranous band thicker 

 behind than in front, and situated nearer to the back than the front of the joint. 



