MEDIAL SIDE OF THE THIGH 



275 



The posterior branch of the obturator nerve, as it enters the 

 thigh, pierces the upper border of the obturator externus. It 

 extends distally, between the adductor brevis and the 

 adductor magnus, and is expended chiefly in the supply 

 of the latter muscle. It gives also, however, a branch to 

 the obturator externus and an articular branch to the knee 

 joint. The latter branch pierces the distal part of the 



Femoral nerve (O.T. ant. crural) 



Lumbo-inguinal nerve 

 Femoral sheath 

 Femoral canal 

 Obturator artery 

 Obturator nerve 

 Adductor longus ^in^S& 



FIG. 125. Dissection to show the Structures surrounding the Obturator 

 Foramen of the Hip Bone. 



adductor magnus, close to the linea aspera, and may be 

 seen in the popliteal fossa, lying posterior to the popliteal 

 artery. 



M. Gracilis. The gracilis is a long, strap - like muscle, 

 which lies along the medial aspect of the thigh and knee. It 

 springs, by a thin tendon, from the lower half of the body of the 

 pubis, close to the symphysis, and also from the upper half of 

 the pubic arch (Fig. 119). It ends in a slender, rounded 



