82 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 



and strong may be felt on the lateral side of the thigh, above the tuberosity 

 of the femur, like a tight band attached to the tibia; it is called the ilio-tibial 

 band. See page 113, tensor fascice latce. 



The oval fossa or saphenous opening (Fig 70) in the fascia 

 lata is an inch and a half below the medial portion of the inguinal 

 ligament. It allows the long saphena vein to pass through to the 

 femoral vein. 



The lumbar fascia is not a part of the general deep fascia of the body, 

 but belongs to the transversus muscle described on p. 96. It is attached 

 behind to the lumbar vertebra, above to the last two ribs, and below to the 

 crest of the ilium. 



The superficial fascia covers the deep fascia. It lies immedi- 

 ately beneath the skin in its whole extent and consists of loose- 

 meshed connective tissue, arranged somewhat in layers, and con- 

 taining the subcutaneous fat. It also imbeds the superficial or 

 cutaneous arteries, veins, and nerves between its layers. In 

 places where the fascia is thin, as on the back of the hand, the 

 veins are easily seen. This fascia is closely connected with the 

 skin, and they glide together over the deeper structures. 



A bursa is a sac in the fascia which contains smooth fluid 

 resembling synovia. Burs<z are found where much pressure or 

 friction occurs between different structures. They act like 

 water- cushions, thus saving the tissues from bruising or rubbing. 

 The largest subcutaneous bursa is in the superficial fascia in front 

 of the patella. It is called the prepatellar bursa (Fig. 66). 



Surgical note. When the prepatellar bursa becomes in- 

 flamed and enlarged, it forms "housemaid's knee." 



Sometimes bursae are placed underneath tendons or between 

 muscles, and these deep ones may communicate with joints. 

 There is a large one between the gluteus maximus and the tuber- 

 osity of the ischium, and another between the same muscle and 

 the great trochanter. 



Note. The transversalis and pelvic fasciae are found within the abdomen 

 and the pelvis, respectively (see pages 100 and in). 



MUSCLES, THEIR IMPORTANCE 



The growth of bone and fashioning of joints has but prepared 

 the way for more important ends to be accomplished. 



The head and trunk protect and support the vital organs, but 



