DR. J. MURIE ON THE ANATOMY OF THE SEA-LION. 573 
The vastus externus (V.e, fig. 34) is a powerful and strong, though necessarily short 
muscle. It covers the vastus internus in part, and is attached to the whole anterior 
surface of the femur, from the neck of the bone and the great trochanter to the liga- 
ment of the knee-joint, being inserted as usual into the upper portion of the patella. 
If a crureus is present, it is so intimately united with the vastus externus as to be 
inseparable. 
Gracilis—This is represented by a very broad, somewhat triangular-shaped, and but 
moderately thick plane of fleshy fibres. This, from low insertion and peculiar shape, 
can scarcely be recognized as the homologue of the gracilis of human anatomy, which 
nevertheless it undoubtedly is. The origin, which is the narrower end, has a double 
layer of fibres. The most superficial of these arises along the whole line of the 
symphysis pubis. A few of the fibres overlapping those of the external oblique, the 
deeper layer runs partly along the brim of the pelvis, and appears as rather dipping 
beneath the obliquus externus. ‘The fibres from both these layers of origin take nearly 
a similar direction (namely, outwards and backwards), and, as they fuse together, form 
a broad sheet, which is inserted into the inner margin of the lower three fourths of the 
tibia. At the lower extremity it joins the semimembranosus, the two (but chiefly the 
gracilis) forming a strong aponeurosis, which is inserted into the plantar fascia, much as 
does the palmar fascia in the manus. 
Action. It restrains the lower leg towards the pelvis, and in walking rotates the 
tibia inwards. 
The Femoral Adductores—According to my dissection there are altogether six of 
these. Of the adductor magnus primus there can hardly be doubts regarding its inter- 
pretation, although the origin and insertion are slightly altered from their ordinary 
condition. The passage of the femoral vessels and nerves determines its homology, 
which the increased numbers of the adductores might otherwise render uncertain. The 
muscle (Ad.m', fig. 33) is of large size, and almost entirely fleshy. As seen when the 
thigh-parts are in position, it is partly hidden by the origin of the broad and unusually 
placed gracilis, and the insertion is in part overlain by that of the adductor magnus 
secundus. It arises from the outside of the ischium, posterior to the obturator foramen. 
Directed upwards and outwards, with fibres of a prismatic form, the muscle is inserted 
broadly upon the inner side of the lower half of the shaft of the femur, upon the 
internal condyle and upon the upper front of the tibia for a couple of inches. The 
vessels of the thigh pierce the flesh at its upper border, a pencil of fibres dividing and 
allowing passage to the vessels. 
Adductor magnus secundus. This (Ad.m’) is smaller than the preceding, and, except 
in degree, has quite the same action as the foregoing. As already mentioned, it partly 
covers it. It arises from the outside of the pubes, anterior and superficial to the last. 
Insertion the outer condyle, fibres covering or running into the ligament of the knee- 
joint. 
