226 Anatomy of the Rabbit. 



branch is the peroneal nerve (n. peronaeus), the posterior branch 

 the. tibial nerve (n. tibiaHs). The lesser saphenous nerve (p. 231) 

 is a small branch given off from the tibial above the knee-joint. 

 For the origin of this and related nerves see p. 232. 

 The superior gluteal nerve (n. glutaeus superior) appears in 

 the greater sciatic notch, leaving the sciatic close to the inferior 

 posterior spine of the ihum. It passes between the glutaeus mini- 

 mus and the lateral surface of the ilium, ending in the tensor fasciae 

 latae. Its branches are distributed to the glutaei medius and 

 minimus and the piriformis muscles. 



The inferior gluteal nerve (n. glutaeus inferior) perforates the 

 posterior portion of the piriformis, and is distributed to the glutaeus 

 maximus. 



The posterior cutaneous nerve (n. cutaneus femoris posterior) 

 accompanies the hypogastric artery backward to the ischial 

 tuberosity, where it turns to the posterior margin of the thigh and 

 the medial surface of the sciatic vein, ending in branches to the 

 skin. 



The pudendal nerve (n. pudendus) accompanies the sciatic 

 artery and afterwards the internal pudendal to the penis or clitoris. 

 In preparation for the muscular dissection of the leg, the 

 insertion tendons of the biceps femoris, tensor fasciae cruris, 

 gracilis, and semimembranosus muscles should be removed 

 from about the knee-joint. The adductor magnus may be 

 detached from the medial condyle of the femur, but the pop- 

 liteal vessels must be kept intact. The superficial blood- 

 vessels of the leg should be noted, since it is necessary to clear 

 them away in separating the muscles. They include, medially, 

 the great saphenous artery and vein, and laterally the branches 

 of the small saphenous artery to the insertion portions of the 

 muscles of the thigh, and its continuation on the postero- 

 lateral border of the leg; and the sciatic vein, together with its 

 continuation, the anterior tibial- vein, and the accessory small 

 saphenous vein (p. 231). The tibial and peroneal nerves may 

 be cut, after first noting their position. 

 4. Muscles arising from the medial and lateral condyles of the 

 femur and from the proximal portions of the tibia and fibula, 

 including the tibial condyles; inserted on the foot. The group 



