MEDIAL SIDE OF THE THIGH 205 



The adductor muscles are disposed in three strata. The 

 anterior stratum is formed by the adductor longus and the 

 pectineus, which lie in the same plane. Proximally they are 

 placed side by side, but distally, as they approach their in- 

 sertions, they are separated from each other by a narrow 

 interval. The second stratum is formed by the adductor brevis ; 

 and the third, or posterior layer, by the adductor magnus. 

 The gracilis muscle, also an adductor, extends along the medial 

 aspect of the thigh. It is a long, strap-like muscle, applied 

 against the adductor brevis and adductor magnus. Inter- 

 posed between these muscular layers, are the two divisions of 

 the obturator nerve. The anterior division is placed between 

 the anterior and middle layers, whilst the posterior division 

 lies between the middle arid posterior layers. In other words, 

 the two divisions of the nerve are separated from each other 

 by the adductor brevis, which intervenes between them. At 

 the distal border of the adductor longus, a fine branch from 

 the anterior division of the nerve makes its appearance to 

 take part in the formation of the sartorial nerve plexus 

 already dissected. The profunda artery and its branches are 

 also to be followed. For a part of its course this vessel is 

 placed between the anterior and middle muscular strata. 



M. Adductor Longus. This muscle is placed on the 

 medial side of the pectineus. It is somewhat triangular 

 in shape, being narrow at its origin and expanded at its in- 

 sertion. It arises by a short, but strong, tendon from the 

 anterior surface of the body of the pubis, immediately distal 

 to the pubic ridge (Fig. 74, p. 200), and it is inserted into 

 the medial lip of the linea aspera of the femur by a thin, 

 tendinous expansion. It is supplied by the anterior division 

 of the obturator nerve. 



Dissection. The adductor longus may now be reflected. Divide it 

 close to the tendon of origin, and throw it laterally. In doing this 

 be careful of the anterior division of the obturator nerve, which lies 

 posterior to it, and gives to it its nerve of supply. On approaching the 

 linea aspera of the femur its aponeurotic tendon will be found intimately 

 connected with the vastus medialis anteriorly and with the adductor magnus 

 posteriorly. Separate it from these as far as possible, in order that the 

 profunda femoris vessels may be fully displayed as they proceed behind it. 



Art. Profunda Femoris. This large vessel is the chief 

 artery of supply to the muscles of the thigh. It arises in the 

 femoral triangle from the lateral and posterior aspect of the 

 femoral artery, about an inch and a half distal to the inguinal 



