Chapter II: External Muscles of the Hip and Thigh

The =tensor fasciæ latæ= is large, and the fleshy part extends further down than in the horse.

The gluteus superficialis is not present as such; apparently its anterior part has fused with the tensor fasciæ latæ and its posterior with the biceps femoris.

The =gluteus medius= is small, the lumbar portion being insignificant and extending forward only to the fourth lumbar vertebra. Its deep portion (Gluteus accessorius) is easily separable, and its strong tendon is inserted into the femur below the trochanter major, under cover of the upper part of the vastus externus.

The =gluteus profundus= is thin, but extensive, arising as far forward as the external angle of the ilium, and from the lower part of the sacro-sciatic ligament. The fibers converge on a tendon which passes under the upper part of the vastus externus, and is inserted into a tubercle a short distance below the great trochanter.

FIG. 218.—GLUTEAL AND FEMORAL REGIONS OF OX, AFTER REMOVAL OF
SUPERFICIAL MUSCLES.

_p_, Gluteus medius; _r_, semitendinosus; _u_, coccygeus; _28_, vastus
externus; _28′_, rectus femoris; _29_, semimembranosus; _30_,
gastrocnemius; _31_, sacro-sciatic ligament; _16_, tuber coxæ; _17_,
tuber ischii; _19_, trochanter major; _20_, patella; _21′_, external
condyle of tibia. (After Ellenberger-Baum. Anat. für Künstler.)
]

The =biceps femoris= is very wide at its upper part, having apparently absorbed the posterior part of the superficial gluteus. It is divided in the thigh into two portions, which end on a wide aponeurosis. There is no femoral attachment. A large bursa occurs between the muscle and the great trochanter in the adult. The part of the tendon which fuses with the external patellar ligament presents a fibro-cartilaginous thickening, and an extensive bursa is interposed between it and the external condyle of the femur.

The =semitendinosus= and =semimembranosus= arise on the ischium only. The latter has a branch attached to the internal condyle of the tibia.