_1_, Anterior part, _1′_, posterior part of trochanter major; _2_,
neck; _3_, fovea capitis; _4_, crest; _5_, trochanteric fossa; _6_,
external or third trochanter; _7_, trochanter minor; _8_, eminence
for attachment of biceps femoris; _9_, internal border; _10_,
nutrient foramen; _11_, groove for femoral vessels; _12_,
supracondyloid crest; _13_, supracondyloid fossa; _14_, trochlea;
_15_, external epicondyle; _16_, external condyle; _17_, extensor
fossa; _18_, internal condyle; _19_, internal epicondyle; _20_,
intercondyloid fossa. (After Schmaltz, Atlas d. Anat. d. Pferdes.)
]
The =proximal extremity= (Extremitas proximalis) is large and consists
of the head, neck, and great trochanter. The =head= (Caput femoris) is
placed at the inner side and is directed inward, upward, and somewhat
forward. It is approximately hemispherical and articulates with the
acetabulum. It is cut into internally by a deep notch, the =fovea
capitis=, in which the pubo-femoral and round ligaments are attached.
The articular surface is surrounded by a distinct margin. The =neck=
(Collum femoris) is most distinct in front and internally. The =great
trochanter= (Trochanter major) is situated externally; it presents three
features. The =anterior part= or =convexity= is situated opposite to the
head and rises little above the level of the latter; it gives attachment
to the deep gluteus muscle, and in the fresh state its outer surface is
coated with cartilage, over which a tendon of the middle gluteus passes,
to be inserted into the =crest=, which is placed below and behind the
convexity. The =posterior part= or =summit= is separated from the
convexity by a notch; it is situated behind the plane of the head and
rises to a much greater height. It furnishes insertion to part of the
middle gluteus muscle. Its posterior border is continued downward as the
=trochanteric ridge=, which forms the outer wall of the =trochanteric
fossa=. A number of foramina are found in the concave area internal to
the convexity.
[Illustration: