MUSCLES OF THE POSTERIOR LIMBS. 283 



tendinous fasciculi, which arise from the neck of the ilium and the supra- 

 cotyloid ridge, to be directed outwards and backwards, and terminate within 

 the convexity of the trochanter. 



Relations. Its upper face responds to the middle gluteus ; the inferior 

 covers the coxo-femoral articulation, and strongly adheres to the fibrous 

 capsule of that joint ; this face is also separated from the anterior gracilis 

 (ilio-femoralis) of the thigh and the origin of the anterior rectus (rectus 

 femoris), by a very strong fibrous layer, which extends from the external 

 border of the ilium to the base of the trochanter. Its posterior border is in 

 relation with the anterior gemellus of the pelvis. 



Action. It is the special abductor of the thigh, and is also an 

 accessory rotator of the femur inwards. (Leyh says it is a congener of the 

 preceding muscle, and therefore an extensor of the thigh. It may also 

 maintain the capsular ligament tense.) 



DIFFERENTIAL CHARACTERS OF THE MI T SCLES OF THE GLUTEAL REGION IN OTHER THAN 



SOLIPED ANIMALS. 



In Ruminants and the Pig, the gluteal muscles much resemble, though they sensibly 

 differ from, those of Solipeds. In fact, the superficial gluteus and the long vastus form 

 but one and the same muscle ; the middle gluteus, thinner than in the Horse, is not so 

 much prolonged in front on the ilio-spinalis ; and, on the contrary, the deep gluteus, 

 more developed than in the Horse, is easily divided into two portions, which Rigot has 

 designated as two distinct gluteals. 



In Garnivora, the superficial gluteus is voluminous; it proceeds from the sacrum, 

 and terminates by an aponeurosis below and behind the trochanter. This aponeurosis 

 receives, in front, a small muscular band which arises by tendinous fibres from the 

 surface of the middle gluteus, near the external angle of the ilium, and which resembles 

 the external branch of the superficial gluteus of the Horse. In these animals, also, the 

 middle gluteus does not extend beyond the lumbar border of the ilium in front, and 

 terminates behind by a single branch. 



COMPARISON OF THE GLUTEAL MUSCLES OF MAN WITH THOSE OF ANIMALS. 



The gluteal muscles are distinguished, in regard to their volume, into great, medium, 

 and small (see note, p. 177). 



The great gluteus (gluteus maximum) corresponds to the superficial gluteal of animals. 



The medium gluteus (gluteus medius i to the middle gluteus of Solipeds. 



The small gluteus (gluteus minimus) to the deep gluteus. 



The medium gluteus does not extend beyond the crest of the ilium in front (see 

 Figs 133, 184). 



With regard to the great gluteus, it is inserted inwardly into the sacrum and the 

 coccyx ; below, into the external bifurcation of the linea aspera, from the trochanter to 

 the middle third of the femur. 



MUSCLES OF THE THIGH. 



These have been divided into three secondary regions, which are : the 

 anterior crural (or femoral) orpatellar, the posterior crural (or femoral), and the 

 internal crural (or femoral) region. 



A. Anterior Crural or Femoral Region. 



This region comprises three muscles situated in front of the femur : the 

 muscle of the fascia lata, the crural triceps, and the anterior gracilis of the 

 thigh. 



Preparation. 1. Place the subject in the first position. 2. Study the fascia lata 

 muscle immediately after removing the skin from this region. 3. Take away th.s 

 muscle and the superficial gluteus, the long vastus, the semitendinosis and semimem- 

 branosis, the two adductors of the leg, the pectineus, and the two adductors of the inigh, 

 to expose the three portions of the triceps. Separate these three muscular divisions from 

 one another, commencing above where they are scarcely adherent. Dis&ect the anterior 

 gracilis at the same time. 



