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AAAC47 21/5/05 10:53 AM Page 106
47 The thigh

Diaphragm
Iliacus
Right crus
Femoral triangle
Quadratus
Tensor fasciae Inguinal ligament
latae lumborum
Psoas tendon Psoas major

Pectineus Iliacus
Adductor longus
Inguinal ligament
Rectus femoris
Gracilis
Pectineus
Sartorius
Adductor longus
Vastus lateralis
Vastus medialis
Iliotibial tract Adductor magnus

Opening in adductor
magnus (for passage
Patellar
of femoral vessels
retinacula Ligamentum patellae to popliteal fossa)

Fig.47.1 Fig.47.2
The muscles of the front of the thigh. Psoas, iliacus and the adductor
The femoral triangle is outlined group of muscles

The thigh is divided into flexor, extensor and adductor compartments. On the lateral side the fascia lata is condensed to form the iliotibial
The membranous superficial fascia of the abdominal wall fuses to the tract (Fig. 47.4). The tract is attached above to the iliac crest and
fascia lata, the deep fascia of the lower limb, at the skin crease of the receives the insertions of tensor fasciae latae and three-quarters of glu-
hip joint just below the inguinal ligament. teus maximus. These muscles are also enveloped in deep fascia. The ili-
otibial tract inserts into the lateral condyle of the tibia.
The deep fascia of the thigh (fascia lata) The saphenous opening is a gap in the deep fascia which is filled with
This layer of strong fascia covers the thigh. It is attached above to the loose connective tissueathe cribriform fascia. The lateral border of the
inguinal ligament and bony margins of the pelvis and below to the tibial opening, the falciform margin, curves in front of the femoral vessels
condyles, head of the fibula and patella. Three fascial septa pass from whereas on the medial side it curves behind to attach to the iliopectineal
the deep surface of the fascia lata to insert onto the linea aspera of the line (Fig. 43.1). The great saphenous vein pierces the cribriform fascia
femur and consequently divide the thigh into three compartments. to drain into the femoral vein. Superficial branches of the femoral artery
and lymphatics are also transmitted through the saphenous opening.

106 Lower limb