248 SURGICAL ANATOMY OP THE 



insertion. Posteriorly, the surface is convex, and infe- 

 riorly is seen the divergence of the muscular masses 

 which form the popliteal space. Externally, the surface 

 is convex, and separated from the posterior by a deep 

 furrow, marking the position of the external intermus- 

 cular aponeurosis. Internally and superiorly is the 

 superior femoral region and Scarpa's space ; the middle 

 of this surface is flat, and indicates the position of the 

 crossing of the sartorius ; inferiorly is a large oval emi- 

 nence, due to the vastus internus. 



The course of the femoral artery, which is seen pulsat- 

 ing in Scarpa's space, is indicated by a line drawn from 

 the centre of Poupart's ligament to a point just behind 

 the internal condyle of the femur. 



Dissection. The skin of this region is very thick pos- 

 teriorly, thinner in front and internally, and freely sup- 

 plied with sebaceous glands in the upper and inner por- 

 tion near the groin. 



The subcutaneous cellular tissue generally contains a 

 good deal of fat, and the superficial veins, nerves, and 

 lymphatics lie in it. The most important superficial 

 vessel is the internal saphena vein; its course in the 

 thigh commences just behind the posterior part of the 

 internal condyle, and passing obliquely upwards perfo- 

 rates the fascia lata at the saphenous opening, being 

 there invested by the cribriform fascia, and terminates 

 in the common femoral vein. It is very subject to a 

 varicose condition, and may become enormously dilated. 



The course of the lymphatics is pretty much that of 

 the vein, and they terminate in those lymphatic ganglia, 

 situate in Scarpa's space, which lie in the axis of the 

 thigh. 



The superficial nerves are derived from the anterior 



