528 APPLIED ANATOMY. 



At the upper end of the popliteal space it again becomes visible, and can be found 

 between the biceps on the outer side and the semimembranosus on the inner side. 



Gluteus minimus 



Gluteus medius 



Obturator interims 



Gluteus maximus 



Short head of biceps 



External popliteal or 

 fibular nerve 



Plantaris 



Outer head of gastrocnemius 



Pyriformis 

 Sciatic artery 

 Small sciatic nerve 

 Sciatic nerve 

 Gemelli 



Comes nervi ischiadici 

 Long head of biceps 



Semimembranosus 



Semitendinosis 



Gracilis 



Semimembranosus 



Sartorius 



Semitendinosus 



Internal popliteal or tibial nerve 



Popliteal artery 



Fi<;. 537.. Sciatic nerve and structures of the posterior portion of the thigh. 



Sciatica may be caused by injury to the sacral plexus in the pelvis, as by labor, 

 or by injury to the nerves as they issue from the spine, as in fractures, luxations, bony 

 outgrowths or tumors. The pain affects the back of the thigh and outer side of the leg. 



