382 MUSCLES OF THE THIGH. 



1. Rectus, 



Arises, fleshy, from the inferior anterior spinous process of the 

 os ilium, and tendinous from the dorsum of the ilium, a little 

 above the acetabulum ; runs down over the anterior part of the 

 cervix of the os femoris ; the fibres not being straight, but 

 running down like the plumage of a feather obliquely outwards 

 and inwards, from a tendon in* the middle. 



Inserted, tendinous, into the upper part of the patella, from 

 which a thin tendon runs down, on the forepart of this bone, 

 to terminate in a thick strong ligament, which is sent off from 

 the inferior part of the patella^ and inserted into the tubercle of 

 the tibia. 



Use. To extend the leg, and, in a powerful manner, by the 

 intervention of the patella, like a pulley. 



2. Vastus ExternuSj 



Arises, broad, tendinous and fleshy, from the root of the 

 trochanter major, and upper part of the linea aspera ; its origin 

 being continued from near the insertion of the gluteus minimus, 

 the whole length of the linea aspera, by fleshy fibres which run 

 obliquely forwards to a middle tendon, where they terminate. 



Inserted into a large share of the upper part of the patella ; 

 and part of it ends in an aponeurosis, which is continued down 

 to the leg, and in its passage is firmly fixed to the head of the 

 tibia. 



Use. To extend the leg. 



3. Vastus Interims, 



Arises, tendinous and fleshy, from between the forepart of the 

 os femoris and root of the trochanter minor, and from almost 

 all the inside of the linea aspera, by fibres running obliquely 

 forwards and downwards. 



Inserted, tendinous, into the upper and inside of the patella, 

 continuing fleshy lower than the vastus externus. Part of it 

 likewise ends in an aponeurosis continued down to the leg, and 

 fixed in its passage to the upper part of the tibia. 



Use. To extend the leg. 



