INTERNAL FEMORAL GROUP. 287 



Oriyin. From the brim of the pelvis, and from the iliac 

 fascia, near the tendon of the psoas parvus. 



Insertion. In common with the gracilis, by fascia to the 

 internal straight ligament of the patella. 



Relation. Anteriorly with the crural arch and fascia ; inter- 

 nally with the psoas magnus and iliacus ; posteriorly with the 

 gracilis, pectineus, and vastus internus. Its posterior border is 

 related with the femoral artery, which, with the vein and internal 

 saphenic nerve, passes through a space included between this 

 muscle, the iliacus, and the pectineus, termed the femoral space. 



Action. To adduct and flex the femur. 



GRACILIS. 



(Subpubio-tib ia Us.) 



(Fio. 77. c.) 



Situated on the internal part of the thigh, this is a broad, 

 thin, quadrilateral muscle, directed downwards and outwards. It 

 has a flat, fleshy belly, terminating in a broad aponeurosis. 



Origin. From the inferior surface of the ischio-pubic sym- 

 physis, where it meets its fellow. 



Insertion. With the sartorius, to the internal straight liga- 

 ment of the patella, and also to the supero-internal part of the 

 tibia : posteriorly its fascia blends with that of the biceps rotator 

 tibialis, the two forming the fascia of the region. 



Relation. Anteriorly with the sartorius ; internally with the 

 adductor muscles of the thigh ; posteriorly with the biceps rotator 

 tibialis; externally with the crural aponeurosis and saphenic 

 vein. 



Action. To adduct the limb, and tense the fascia of the leg. 



PECTIXEUS. 



(Super-pubio-femoratis.) 

 (Fie. 76./.) 



Situated on the inner side of the preceding, this muscle is 

 conical, the fibres extending outwards and backwards. It is 

 tendinous, with a fleshy belly, bifid superiorly for the passage of 

 the pubio-femoral ligament. 



