182 



THE SKELETON 



The shaft is overlapped on its medial side by the vastus medialis (internus), and 

 on its lateral side by the vastus lateralis (externus). The upper three-fourths of 

 the anterior and lateral surfaces afford origin to the vastus intermedius (crureus), 

 and the lower fourth of the anterior surface, to the articularis genu (sub-crureus). 

 The medial surface is free from muscular attachment. 



Fig. 21S. — Transverse Section of Shaft of 

 Femur to show the Medullary C.wity. 



Fig. 219.— Section of Upper End op Femur 

 to show the Calcar Femorale. 



Trochanteric 

 fossa 



Lateral lip Linea aspera Mediallip 



Nutrient canal 



Lateral surface 



Medial surface 



Anterior surface 



Calcar 

 femorale 



Small 

 trochanter 



Fig. 220. — The Femur at Birth. 



Appears early in the ninth month of 

 intra-uterine life 



The lower extremity presents two cartilage-covered eminences or condyles, 

 separated behind by the intercondyloid fossa. The lateral condyle is wider 

 than its fellow and more prominent anteriorly; the medial condyle is narrower, 

 more prominent, and longer, to compensate for the obliquity of the shaft. When 

 the femur is in the natural position, the inferior surfaces of the condyles are on the 



