22 Ora ANATOMY OF THE RABBIT. 
branch is the peroneal nerve (n. peronaeus), the posterior branch 
the tibial nerve (n. tibialis). The lesser saphenous nerve (p. 231) 
is a small branch given off from the tibial above the knee-joint. 
For the origin of this and related nerves see p. 232. 
The superior gluteal nerve (n. glutaeus superior) appears in 
the greater sciatic notch, leaving the sciatic close to the inferior 
posterior spine of the ilium. It passes between the glutaeus mini- 
mus and the lateral surface of the ilium, ending in the tensor fasciae 
latae. Its branches are distributed to the glutaei medius and 
minimus and the piriformis muscles. 
The inferior gluteal nerve (n. glutaeus inferior) perforates the 
posterior portion of the piriformis, and is distributed to the glutaeus 
maximus. 
The posterior cutaneous nerve (n. cutaneus femoris posterior) 
accompanies the hypogastric artery backward to the ischial 
tuberosity, where it turns to the posterior margin of the thigh and 
the medial surface of the sciatic vein, ending in branches to the 
skin. 
The pudendal nerve (n. pudendus) accompanies the sciatic 
artery and afterwards the internal pudendal to the penis or clitoris. 
In preparation for the muscular dissection of the leg, the 
insertion tendons of the biceps femoris, tensor fasciae cruris, 
gracilis, and semimembranosus muscles should be removed 
from about the knee-joint. The adductor magnus may be 
detached from the medial condyle of the femur, but the pop- 
liteal vessels must be kept intact. The superficial blood- 
vessels of the leg should be noted, since it is necessary to clear 
them away in separating the muscles. They include, medially, 
the great saphenous artery and vein, and laterally the branches 
of the small saphenous artery to the insertion portions of the 
muscles of the thigh, and its continuation on the postero- 
lateral border of the leg; and the sciatic vein, together with its 
continuation, the anterior tibial vein, and the accessory small 
saphenous vein (p. 231). The tibial and peroneal nerves may 
be cut, after first noting their position. 
4. Muscles arising from the medial and lateral condyles of the 
femur and from the proximal portions of the tibia and fibula, 
including the tibial condyles; inserted on the foot. The group 
