234 INFERIOR EXTREMITY 



the glutaeus medius and minimus, gives branches to both these 

 muscles. Its terminal branch pierces the anterior fibres of 

 the glutaeus minimus, and ends in the tensor fasciae latae. 



M. Glutseus Minimus. This muscle arises from the broad 

 area on the dorsum ilii, which is included between the anterior 

 and inferior curved lines (Fig. 84, p. 222). The muscular fibres 

 pass gradually into an aponeurotic tendon, which covers the 

 superficial surface of the distal part of the muscle. This tendon, 

 as it passes distally, narrows into a flattened band, which is in- 

 serted into a special impression on the anterior aspect of the 

 greater .trochanter of the femur (Fig. 75, p. 202). It is in- 

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

 hip-joint. The glutaeus minimus is supplied by the superior 

 glutceal nerve. 



Parts under cover of the Glutaeus Minimus. The last 

 step in the dissection of the glutaeal region consists in the 

 reflection of the glutaeus minimus muscle. It must be 

 detached from its origin and thrown distally. Three 

 objects are revealed by this dissection (i) the capsular liga- 

 ment of the hip-joint; (2) a bursa which intervenes between 

 the tendon of the muscle and the greater trochanter; (3) the 

 reflected tendon of the rectus femoris. 



The capsular ligament will be seen to be only loosely 

 attached to the posterior aspect of the neck of the femur, but 

 very firmly to the acetabular brim. The bursa mucosa should 

 be opened and examined. The reflected tendon of the rectus 

 femoris occupies a groove situated just above the upper 

 margin of the acetabulum. It is partially concealed by some 

 fibres of the capsular ligament, which are prolonged upwards 

 over it. It should be cleaned by repeatedly drawing the point 

 of the knife over it in a direction parallel to its fibres. 



FOSSA POPLITEA (POPLITEAL SPACE) 



It is well to dissect the fossa poplitea before the muscles 

 of the posterior region of the thigh are disturbed. In this way 

 the boundaries of the space are maintained in position during 

 the examination of the structures which lie within it. 



During the dissection of the popliteal fossa the following 

 structures are brought into view : 



