SUPERFICIAL ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMB. 



SUPERFICIAL ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMB. 



THE HIP. 



The region of the hip, gluteal region or buttock, extends from the subcutaneous 

 iliac crest and the origin of the glutens maximus muscle above to the fold of the 

 nates below. The surface is formed posteriorly by the gluteus maximus, which is 

 generally covered by a considerable quantity of fat, and laterally by the glutens 

 medius, together with, at the foremost part, the tensor vaginas femoris. The latter 

 muscle may be recognized forming a distinct prominence below the anterior part of 

 the iliac crest (fig. 20), especially if the thigh be abducted or rotated inwards. 

 The fold of the nates is formed during extension of the hip by the drawing in of the 

 skin below the level of the ischial tuberosity, and is directed horizontally outwards, 

 crossing the oblique lower border of the gluteus maximus about its middle. 



The iliac crest is represented on the surface, in muscular subjects, by a groove 

 (iliac, furrotv), in consequence of the projection of the external oblique muscle 



Fig. 19. POSTERIOR VIEW OF THK HIP, SHOWING THK SITUATION OF THE BONES AND CHIEF ARTERIES, &c. 



(B. J. G. &GK D. T.) 



above, and, to a less extent, of the gluteus medius below. Traced forwards, this 

 furrow terminates at the anterior superior iliac spine, which is always easily 

 recognized ; posteriorly, the furrow becomes less marked as the crest passes below 

 the tendinous portion of the erector spinte, but a slight depression always indicates 

 the position of the posterior superior spine. The latter point is on a level with the 

 spinous process of the second sacral vertebra, and immediately behind the centre of 

 the sacro-iliac articulation. From three to four inches (8 10 cm.) below the iliac 

 crest, and somewhat in front of its central point, the great trochanter is to be felt, 

 and in thin persons seen. The trochanter projects outwards farther than the iliac 

 crest, but it does not usually appear as a prominence on the surface owing to the 

 great thickness of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, which occupy the hollow 

 between it and the ilium. It is entirely covered by the aponeurotic insertion of the 



