REGION OF THE KNEE. 255 



tibia, whilst posterior to it is the head of the fibula and 

 tendon of biceps; just behind the tendon of the biceps, 

 and below the head of the fibula, can be felt the external 

 popliteal nerve. Internally can be felt the internal con- 

 dyle and internal tuberosity of the tibia, separated by the 

 position of the interarticular fibro-cartilage. The inter- 

 nal saphena vein is seen beneath the integument, just 

 behind the inner condyle. 



The skin of the region is very thick and dense, and 

 the subcutaneous cellular tissue contains, the internal 

 saphena vein and nerve ; on the inner side and in front 

 of the patellae, the bursa patellae, effusion into which 

 constitutes the affection known as " housemaid's knee." 

 In the early stage, inflammation of this bursa is to be 

 distinguished from synovitis by the fact of the patella 

 being hidden by the distended sac, whilst the cavities on 

 either side of it remain ; the fibrous tissue, however, 

 along the edge of the patella being thin, pus may find 

 its way into the synovial cavity. The aponeurosis is a 

 continuation of the fascia lata, and is attached^ firmly to 

 the tubercle of the tibia and its tuberosities, to the head 

 of the fibula, afterwards blending with the fascia lata of 

 the leg. Beneath this aponeurosis lie the muscles, 

 which have the following relations : 



Internally are the sartorius, gracilis, and semi-tendi- 

 nosus, the tendons of which muscles' strengthen the apo- 

 neurosis by their fibrous expansions, and are separated 

 from the tibia by a large bursa, and the semi-membrano- 

 sus. Externally, the tendon of the biceps, anteriorly,, is 

 the tendon of the quadriceps extensor and the ligamen- 

 tum patellae, between which and the tibia is a bursa 

 (bursa of Cloquet). The articular branches of the popli- 



