336 



SYNDESMOLOGY 



The Ligamentum Teres Femoris (Fig. 341). The ligamentum teres femoris is a 

 triangular, somewhat flattened band implanted by its apex into the antero-superior 

 part of the fovea capitis femoris ; its base is attached by two bands, one into either 

 side of the acetabular notch, and between these bony attachments it blends with the 

 transverse ligament. It is ensheathed by the synovial membrane, and varies greatly 

 in strength in different subjects; occasionally only the synovial fold exists, and in 

 rare cases even this is absent. The ligament is made tense when the thigh is 

 semiflexed and the limb then adducted or rotated outward; it is, on the other 

 hand, relaxed when the limb is abducted. It has, however, but little influence as a 

 ligament. 





Spine of 

 ischium 



Ant. inf. 

 iliac spine 



Fovea capitia 



Iliofemoral ligament 



Lesser trochanter 



FIG. 341. Left hip-joint, opened by removing the floor of the acetabulum from within the pelvis. 



The Glenoidal Labrum (labrum glenoidale; cotyloid ligament). The glenoidal 

 labrum is a fibrocartilaginous rim attached to the margin of the acetabulum, the 

 cavity of which it deepens ; at the same time it protects the edge of the bone, and 

 fills up the inequalities of its surface. It bridges over the notch as the transverse 

 ligament, and thus forms a complete circle, which closely surrounds the head of the 

 femur and assists in holding it in its place. It is triangular on section, its base being 

 attached to the margin of the acetabulum, while its opposite edge is free and 

 sharp. Its two surfaces are invested by synovial membrane, the external one 

 being in contact with the capsule, the internal one being inclined inward so as 

 to narrow the acetabulum, and embrace the cartilaginous surface of the head of 

 the femur. It is much thicker above and behind than below and in front, and 

 consists of compact fibers. 



The Transverse Acetabular Ligament (ligamentum transversum acetabuli; transverse 

 ligament) .This ligament is in reality a portion of the glenoidal labrum, though 

 differing from it in having no cartilage cells among its fibers. It consists of strong, 



