Gross Anatomy-Thigh

Question 1

Describe the Deep Facia of the Thigh

Answer 1

• Called fascia lata
• Continuous superiorly with:
o Anteriorly - inguinal l., pubic arch, body of pubis and pubic tubercle
 Scarpa’s fascia approximately a finger’s breadth below inguinal l.
o Posteriorly and laterally – iliac crest
o Posteriorly and medially – sacrum, coccyx, sacrotuberous l., ischial tuberosity and ischiopubic ramus
• Continuous inferiorly with:
o Exposed parts of bone around knee
o Popliteal fascia posteriorly
o Deep fascia of leg (crural fascia) inferior to knee
• Thickened laterally to form iliotibial band (tract)
o Shared aponeurosis of tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus mm.
o From iliac tubercle to anterolateral tubercle of tibia (Gerdy’s tubercle)
• Invests large thigh muscles
• Separated into three compartments:
o Anterior
o Medial
o Posterior
• Walls formed by fascia lata and 3 intermuscular septa
o Lateral – very strong
o Medial
o Unnamed

• Saphenous opening -

o Gap or hiatus inferior to medial part of inguinal l.
 o Has smooth medial margin
 o Superior, lateral and inferior margins form a sharp crescentic edge
       ** Falciform margin**
        Joined at its medial margin by **cribriform fascia**
               • Localized membranous tissue that closes saphenous opening
               • Pierced by  numerous openings for:
                     o Lymphatic vessels from superficial inguinal nodes
                     o Great saphenous v. and tributaries