Variation in the Muscles and Nerves of the Leg in Two Genera of Grouse (Tympanuchus and Pedioecetes)

by E. Bruce Holmes

Origin.—Pars iliofemoralis: This arises fleshily from the ventromedial surface of the posterior part of the lateral iliac process, from the entire lateral ischiatic ridge, and from the lateral surface of the ischium anterior to this ridge nearly as far forward as the posterior edge of origin of M. flexor ischiofemoralis; the posteroventral corner reaches the ventral edge of the ischium and usually attaches to the ischiopubic membrane posterior to M. flexor cruris medialis. Pars caudifemoralis: This arises by a narrow tendon from the ventral surface of a broad, thick, tendinous sheet ventral to the pygostyle, which, in turn, attaches to the ventral surface of the pygostyle.

Insertion.—The common belly formed by the union of the two heads narrows (width variable) and attaches to the posterolateral surface of the femur distal to the level of insertion of M. iliacus and in contact with the posterior edge of origin of M. vastus lateralis pars lateralis; the dorsal part is fleshy and the ventral part is tendinous.

Innervation.—A branch of the middle tibial division of the sciatic nerve gives several twigs to the deep surface of pars iliofemoralis; another twig enters the substance of pars iliofemoralis and emerges from the ventral edge of the latter, then enters the dorsal edge of pars caudifemoralis. The latter twig was not found in all legs, but was probably destroyed during dissection.

Individual Variation.—The tendinous area in the dorsal margin of pars iliofemoralis is lacking in one leg and extremely small in some others. In both legs of one specimen, the connection between M. caudofemoralis pars caudifemoralis and the raphe between Mm. flexor cruris lateralis and femorocruralis consists of a small (11 × 2 mm.) but well developed and entirely fleshy muscle slip ([Fig. 16]). In one leg, the ventral third of this connection is fleshy, the remainder tendinous; in another, this connection is completely lacking.

T. cupido

Individual Variation.—The tendinous area in the dorsal margin of pars iliofemoralis is lacking in one leg. The connection between pars caudifemoralis and the raphe between Mm. flexor cruris lateralis and femorocruralis is lacking in several legs. A conspicuous variation occurring in three legs is the presence of a tendinous area in the belly of pars caudifemoralis, dividing the latter into proximal and distal parts ([Fig. 20]J). In one leg, the posteroventral corner of pars iliofemoralis arises from the pubis. The origin of pars caudifemoralis in three legs is directly from the anteroventral surface of the pygostyle. In one instance, the insertional tendon of pars caudifemoralis is long and extremely slender and extends for some distance in a groove on the medial surface of pars iliofemoralis before fusing with the latter.

P. p. jamesi

Differences from Typical T. pallidicinctus.—There is no connection at all between pars caudifemoralis and the raphe between Mm. flexor cruris lateralis and femorocruralis. The posteroventral corner of pars iliofemoralis is some distance dorsal to the ventral edge of the ischium and, therefore, does not attach to the ischiopubic membrane.

Individual Variation.—The insertion (narrow) is entirely tendinous in one leg.