MUSCLES OF THE HIP AND THIGH 341 



Insertion. Into the crest of the tibia and the fascia of the leg. 



Action. To flex the stifle and rotate the leg inwards. It also assists in 

 the act of rearing, and braces up the fascia of the leg in support of the 

 muscles. 



SemimembranosUS. A somewhat considerable muscle placed behind 

 and to the inner side of the one last described, and extending from the 

 root of the tail downward to the inferior extremity of the thigh. 



Origin. From the under surface of the ischium and its tuberosity, 

 and from the fibrous aponeurosis at the base of the tail. 



Insertion. Into the internal condyle of the femur. 



Action. To adduct the limb and extend the thigh on the pelvis. 

 When the femur is fixed it assists in rearing;. 



o 



INTERNAL CRURAL REGION 



Sartorius. This is a long slender muscle partly contained in the 

 abdominal cavity, after leaving which it traverses the inner part of the 

 thigh. 



Origin. From the fascia (iliac fascia) on the under surface of the ilium 

 or haunch-bone. 



Insertion. Into the internal straight ligament of the patella. 



Action. To adduct the leg and flex the femur on the pelvis. 



Gracilis. A flat four-sided muscle situated beneath the skin in the 

 inner aspect of the thigh, which it wholly covers. 



Origin. From the under surface of the pelvis along the side of the 

 ischio-pubic symphysis, where its fibres interlace with those of its fellow 

 on the opposite side. 



Insertion. Into the internal straight ligament of the patella and the 

 internal face of the tibia. 



Action. To adduct the leg and brace up the fibrous investment of the 

 leg (tibial aponeurosis). 



This muscle is attached to the sartorius in front. 



Pectineus. The pectineus is a conical muscle, with its base directed 

 upwards. It is divided above by the pubio-femoral ligament which passes 

 between its two segments on its way to the hip- joint. 



Origin. By two branches from the under surface of the pubis. 



Insertion. Into the inner surface of the thigh-bone about its middle. 



Action. To adduct and flex the thigh and rotate it inwards. 



Adductor Parvus. A small muscle deeply situated in the substance 

 of the thigh. 



Origin. From the under surface of the pubis. 



