276 INFERIOR EXTREMITY 



again be examined. Observe how the sartorius overlaps the 

 tendons of the other two, and how the tendon of the gracilis 

 overlaps the proximal part of the tendon of the semitendinosus. 

 Bursse mucosa separate these tendons from each other. 



The collateral tibial ligament of the knee-joint will be seen 

 extending distally, for a short distance, upon the medial aspect 

 of the body of the tibia. Passing anteriorly under cover 

 of this ligament, so as to gain the anterior aspect of the 

 knee, are the inferior medial genicular vessels and the inferior 

 medial articular nerve. 



POSTERIOR CRURAL REGION. 



The following is a list of the structures which are met 

 with in this dissection : 



1. Superficial veins, (<* rea ' sa Phenous vein. 



^ omall saphenous vein. 



2. Cutaneous nerves. 



3. Deep fascia. 



{Gastrocnemius. 

 Plantaris. 

 Soleus. 



5. Tendo calcaneus (Achillis) and its bursa. 



6. Posterior tibial vessels. 



7. Tibial nerve. 



fPopliteus. 



8.Deep m usc,es, 



^Flexor digitorum longus. 

 9. Ligament laciniatum. 



Reflection of Skin. The limb must now be placed on its anterior 

 aspect, and the muscles of the calf rendered tense by flexing the foot at the 

 ankle-joint. This position should be maintained by the aid of hooks, 

 fastened to the toes and to the under surface of the table. Incisions. (i) 

 A longitudinal incision along the middle line of the leg, on its posterior 

 aspect, to the extremity of the heel. (2) A transverse incision at the distal 

 end of this, extending along the medial and lateral margins of the foot for 

 about two inches on either side. 



The two flaps of skin thus marked out must be raised and turned 

 laterally and medially. 



Superficial Veins. The great and small saphenous 

 veins must be traced in the substance of the fatty superficial 

 fascia. Both of these vessels have been seen in previous 

 steps of the dissection. The great saphenous vein has been 

 observed to arise from the medial extremity of the venous arch 

 on the dorsum of the foot, and it has been followed proximally, 

 for a short distance, anterior to the medial malleolus, and then 



