272 



LIGAMENTS OF THE PELVIS. 



two ligaments assist in binding the bones of the pelvis, in sup- 

 poiling its contents, and in giving origin to part of its muscles. 



There are two membra- 

 nous productions which 

 are connected with the 

 large sacro-ischiatic liga- 

 ment, termed its superior 

 and inferior appendices. 



The superior appendix, 

 which is tendinous, arises 

 from the back part of the 

 OS ilium, and is fixed along 

 the outer edge of the liga-^ 

 ment, which it increases in 

 breadth. 



The inferior or falci- 

 form appendix, situated 

 within the cavity of the 

 pelvis, the back part of which is connected with the middle 

 of the large external ligament, and the rest of it is extended 

 round the curvature of the os ischium. 



These two productions assist the large sacro-ischiatic liga- 

 ment in furnishing a more commodious situation for, and 

 insertion of, part of the gluteus maximus, and obturator 

 iniernus muscles. 



The large holes upon the back part of the os sacrum are 

 also surrounded with various ligamentous expansions, pro- 

 jecting from one tubercle to another, and giving origin' to mus- 

 cular fibres, and protection to small vessels and nerves which 

 creep under them. 



* Ligaments of the pelvis and hip-joint. The view is taken from the side. 

 1. The oblique sacro-iliac ligament. The other fasciculi of the posterior sacro- 

 iliac'ligaments are not seen in this view of the pelvis. 2. The posterior sacro- 

 ischiatic ligament. 3. The anterior sacro-ischiatic ligament. 4. The great 

 sacro-ischiatic foramen. 5. The lesser sacro-ischiatic foramen. 6. The coty- 

 loid ligament of the acetabulum. 7. The ligamentum teres. 8. The cut edge 

 of the capsular ligament, showing its extent posteriorly as compared with its 

 anterior attachment. The obturator membrane only partly seen. 



