chap. XXL] THE REGION OF TPIE KNEE. 425 



hollow between the tibia and the intercondyloid notch, 

 and is very firmly fixed. In this position some part 

 of the trochlear surface of the femur can be made out 

 above the patella. On each side of the knee-cap a 

 hollow exists which may be completely filled up with 

 fat in the obese. 



When the limb lies in the extended posture the 

 ligamentum patellae is not to be very distinctly made 

 out. It becomes a little more conspicuous in the 

 flexed position, and is most prominent when the 

 quadriceps muscle is vigorously contracted. 



On the inner side of the knee the following parts 

 can be felt from above downwards : the tubercle for 

 the adductor magnus, and the tendon of insertion of 

 that muscle ; the inner condyle of the femur, which 

 is very prominent, and forms the chief part of the 

 rounded eminence on this aspect of the joint ; and 

 below this the inner tuberosity of the tibia. Between 

 the two latter processes of bone the interarticular 

 line is easily to be felt. On the outer side of the 

 joint is the external condyle of the femur, which is 

 much less conspicuous than its fellow of the opposite 

 side, and below it is the corresponding tuberosity of 

 the tibia, forming a marked prominence. Immediately 

 in front of the biceps tendon the upper part of the 

 external lateral ligament can be felt when the joint is 

 a little flexed. Between the tendon and the patella, 

 the lower part of the ilio-tibial process of the fascia 

 lata can be detected as a prominent rounded band, 

 descending to the external tuberosity of the tibia. It is 

 most distinct when the knee-joint is forcibly extended 

 by muscular action, and often stands out conspicuously 

 beneath the skin. The tubercle of the tibia and the 

 head of the fibula are both to be readily felt, and are 

 nearly on the same level. 



The popliteal space only appears as a hollow when 

 the knee is bent. In the extended limb the hollow is 



