THE BONES OF THE LOWER LIMB 



239 



The tendon of the popUteus cirises from the front part of the hori- 

 zontal portion of the groove, and it is lodged in the groove only 

 when the knee is flexed. 



The inner surface of the internal condyle presents at its centre 

 a large blunt eminence, called the internal tuberosity, for the 

 attachment of the internal lateral ligament. Posteriorly, where 

 the internal supracondylar ridge joins the internal condyle, the 

 adductor tubercle is situated, and the line of origin of the inner 

 head of the gastrocnemius extends almost transversely outwards 

 from this tubercle above the internal condyle. 



Fig. 140. — Longitudinal Section through the Upper End of the Femur, 



SHOWING THE PRESSURE LaMELL^E AND TENSION LaMELL/E. 



The markings in connection with the intercondylar fossa are for 

 the crucial ligaments. The impression for the anterior crucial 

 ligament is at the back part of the inner surface of the external 

 condyle, whilst that for the posterior crucial ligament is at the front 

 part of the outer surface of the internal condyle, and adjacent 

 portion of the front of the intercondylar fossa. At the front of 

 that fossa in the middle line the ligamentum mucosum is attached. 



Articulations. — Superiorly with the acetabulum of the os inno- 

 minatum, and inferiorly with the head of the tibia below, and the 

 patella in front. 



