INTERNAL FEMORAL GROUP. 237 



Origin. — From the brim of the pelvis, and from the iliac 

 fascia, near the tendon of the psoas pan^us. 



Insertion. — lu common with the gracilis, by fascia to the 

 internal straight ligament of the patella. 



Relation. — Anteriorly with the crural arch and fascia ; inter- 

 nally with the psoas magnus and iliacus; posteriorly with the 

 gracilis, pectiueus, and vastus intemus. Its posterior border is 

 related with the femoral artery, which, with the vein and internal 

 saphenic nerre, passes through a space included between this 

 muscle, the iliacus, and the pectineus, termed the femoral space. 



Action. — To adduct and flex the femur. 



GRACILIS. 



(Sicbpubio-tiblalis.) 

 (Fici. 77, c.) 



Situated on the internal part of the thigh, this is a broad, 

 thin, quadrilateral muscle, directed downwards and outwards. It 

 has a flat fleshy belly, terminating in a broad aponeurosis. 



OrifjirL — From the inferior surface of the ischio-pubic sym- 

 physis, where it meets its fellow. 



InseHion. — With the sartorius, to the internal straight liga- 

 ment of the patella, and also to the supero-internal part of the 

 tibia ; posteriorly its fascia blends with that of the biceps rotator 

 tibialis, the two forming the fascia of the region. 



Relation. — Anteriorly with the sartorius; internally with the 

 adductor muscles of the thigh ; posteriorly with the biceps rotator 

 tibialis ; externally with the crural aponeurosis and saphenic 

 vein. 



Actiom. — To adduct the limb, and tense the fascia of the les. 



PECTINEUS. 



{Super-puhio-femoralis. ) 



(Fia. 76./.) 



Situated on the inner side of the preceding, this muscle is 

 conical, the' fibres extending outwards and backwards. It is 

 tendinous, with a fleshy belly, bifid superiorly for the passage of 

 the pubio-femoral ligament. 



