DISSECTION OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY 129 



thigh lateralward. Pull the M. glutaeus maximus well outward 

 and divide its aponeurosis of insertion downward for a distance 

 of five to seven centimetres. Grasping the cut edge of the fascia 

 lata just separated from the M. glutaeus maximus, pull it out- 

 ward and dissect in the interval between it and the M. glutaeus 

 medius. By traction upon this band the deep surface of the 

 tensor muscle of the fascia lata (M. tensor fasciae latae) (0. T. 

 tensor vaginae femoris) may be exposed. It is covered by a layer 

 of fascia. The student should now find 



(a) Terminal branch of superior gluteal nerve, piercing the anterior bor- 



der of the M. glutaeus minimus and entering the M. tensor fasciae 

 latae. 



(b) Ascending branch of lateral circumflex artery (ramus ascendens A. 



circumflexae femoris lateralis). 



Separate the M. glutaeus medius from the M. glutaeus mini- 

 mus by passing the fingers between their posterior borders. 

 When completely isolated, divide the M. glutaeus medius five 

 centimetres above the trochanter major and reflect the two parts 

 upward and downward respectively. Carefully preserve the 

 vessels and nerves between the two muscles and clean them thor- 

 oughly. What vessels and nerves are exposed? Trace each to 

 its termination. Can you find 



(a) Bursa trochanterica M. glutaei medii posterior? 



(b) Bursa trochanterica M. glutaei medii anterior? 



Where is the bursa M. piriformis? 



Detach the M. glutaeus minimus from its origin and reflect it 

 downward. Observe the capsular ligament of the hip-joint (cap- 

 sula articularis) . Where is the bursa trochanterica M. glutaei 

 minimi ? Find the reflected head of the M. rectus femoris. What 

 is the action of the muscles supplied by the superior gluteal 

 nerve I 



POPLITEAL SPACE (FOSSA POPLITEA). 



Before beginning the dissection, review the surface anatomy 

 of this space, noting 



(a) Lateral hamstring, formed by the biceps muscle. 



(b) Medial hamstring, formed by the tendons of the semitendinosus and 



semimembranosus muscles. 



(c) Tendon of adductor magnus muscle. Can you trace it as far down- 



ward as the adductor tubercle 1 ? In what position of the leg can 

 this tendon be outlined most easily? 



