334 



SYNDESMOLOGY 



The Articular Capsule (capsula articularis; capsular ligament) (Figs. 339, 340). 

 The articular capsule is strong and dense. Above, it is attached to the margin 

 of the acetabulum 5 to 6 mm. beyond the glenoidal labrum behind; but in front, 

 it is attached to the outer margin of the labrum, and, opposite to the notch where 

 the margin of the cavity is deficient, it is connected to the transverse ligament, 

 and by a few fibers to the edge of the obturator foramen. It surrounds the neck 

 of the femur, and is attached, in front, to the intertrochanteric line; above, to the 

 base of the neck; behind, to the neck, about 1.25 cm. above the intertrochanteric 

 crest; below, to the lower part of the neck, close to the lesser trochanter. From 

 its femoral attachment some of the fibers are reflected upward along the neck 

 as longitudinal bands, termed retinacula. The capsule is much thicker at the upper 

 and forepart of the joint, where the greatest amount of resistance is required; 





Ani. inf. iliac spine 





Intertrochanteric 



FIG. 339. Right hip-joint from the front. (Spalteholz.) 



behind and below, it is thin and loose. It consists of two sets of fibers, circular 

 and longitudinal. The circular fibers, zona orbicularis, are most abundant at the 

 lower and back part of the capsule (Fig. 342), and form a sling or collar around the 

 neck of the femur. Anteriorly they blend with the deep surface of the iliofemoral 

 ligament, and gain an attachment to the anterior inferior iliac spine. The longi- 

 tudinal fibers are greatest in amount at the upper and front part of the capsule, 

 where they are reinforced by distinct bands, or accessory ligaments, of which the 

 most important is the iliofemoral ligament. The other accessory bands are known 

 as the pubocapsular and the ischiocapsular ligaments. The external surface of the 

 capsule is rough, covered by numerous muscles, and separated in front from the 

 Psoas major and Iliacus by a bursa, which not infrequently communicates by a 

 circular aperture with the cavity of the joint. 





