GLUTEAL REGION 303 



and with the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circum- 

 flex artery. The latter has already been noticed passing 

 proximally under cover of the tensor fasciae latae. The 

 inferior branch runs forwards across the middle of the glutseus 

 minimus, with the inferior branch of the superior gluteal 

 nerve. It supplies the two gluteal muscles between which it 

 lies and the tensor fasciae latae. It gives twigs to the hip 

 joint, and others of its branches anastomose with twigs of the 

 ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. 



M. G-lutseus Minimus. The glutaeus minimus muscle arises 

 from the broad area on the dorsum ilii, which is included 

 between the anterior and inferior curved lines (Fig. 1 28, p. 286). 

 The muscular fibres pass gradually into an aponeurotic tendon, 

 which covers the superficial surface of the distal part of the 

 muscle. The tendon, as it passes distally, narrows into a flat- 

 tened band, which is inserted into a special impression on the 

 lower and lateral part of the anterior aspect of the greater 

 trochanter of the femur (Figs. 117, 118, p. 262). It is 

 intimately connected, near its insertion, with the capsule of the 

 hip joint, and it is separated from the upper and anterior part 

 of the trochanter major by a small bursa. The glutaeus 

 minimus is supplied by the superior gluteal nerve. Its actions 

 are the same as those of the glutaeus medius (see p. 301). 



Dissection. After the superior gluteal vessels and nerve 

 have been studied the glutaeus minimus must be reflected. 

 Detach it from its origin and turn it downwards. 



Parts under Cover of the Glutaeus Minimus. As the 



glutseus minimus is reflected three structures are displayed : 

 (i) part of the capsule of the hip joint; (2) the reflected 

 tendon of the rectus femoris ; and (3) the bursa between the 

 tendon of the glutaeus minimus and the upper part of the 

 anterior aspect of the greater trochanter. The bursa should 

 be opened in order that its extent may be examined. 



At this stage the dissector should examine not only the 

 part of the capsule of the hip joint exposed by the reflection 

 of the glutaeus minimus, but also the parts exposed by the 

 reflection of the quadratus femoris (see p. 300), and the obtu- 

 rator internus (see p. 293); collectively they are the upper and 

 posterior portions. They are all loosely attached to the 

 back and upper part of the neck of the femur, about a 

 finger's breadth medial to the trochanter, but they are firmly 



