THE FEMUR. 



133 



pubes. The plane of the superior strait forms an angle 

 of about 60 degrees; the plane of the inferior strait varies, 

 but approximates the horizontal. The pelvis presents 

 some sexual differences ; thus, in the vigorous adult 



MALE. 



1. The bones are heavy. 



2. Osseous processes and mar- 



gins are strongly devel- 

 oped. 



3. Ilia compressed. 



4. Diameter through the 



cot3 r loid cavities con- 

 tracted. 



5. The diameters less than 



stated above. 



6. The pelvis is deep. 



7. Diameters of inlet and out- 



let irregular. 



8. The ischia approach each 



other. 



9. The pubic angle or arch 



acute. 



10. The spines of the ischia 



are strong, often turned 

 in. 



11. Large obturator foramen. 



FEMALE. 



1. Comparatively light. 



2. Comparatively slight. 



3. Ilia expanded. 



4. Broader. 



5. More than stated above ; 



pelvis more capacious. 



6. Shallow. 



7. Diameters of inlet and out- 



let uniform and larger. 



8. The ischia are everted. 



9. The pubic angle or arch 



obtuse. 



10. The spines of the ischia 



small, point backward. 



11. Smaller and triangular. 



Tffl 



The femur, or 



^ the longest and strongest 



bone in the body. It consists of a shaft and two ex- 

 tremities~ The upper extremity preseiifcs_a_head^jieck, 

 and greater and lesser tuberosities. The head is globu- 

 lar, and makes three-fifths of a sphere. It is rough and 

 dimpled at its summit, for the attachment of the round 

 ligament. It is slightly compressed antero-posteriorly. 

 Its axis is directed upward and inward. . The neck is 

 strong and flattened antero-posteriorly. Its upper 



