Question of the Day... Femoral Triangle

This question was taken from the Singapore August 2012 Exam.

Question:
Identify the femoral triangle, femoral vein, and the surrounding structures.

Answer:
Boundaries of the femoral triangle:

• Superior - inguinal ligament
• Medial - medial border of the Adductor Longus
• Lateral - medial border of Sartorius
• Floor (medial to lateral) - Pectineus, Adductor Longus, Iliopsoas
• Roof - Fascia Lata

  Contents (Lateral to medial)

Nerve - Femoral nerve

Artery - Femoral artery

Vein - Femoral Vein

Empty space - allows expansion of Femoral vein during periods where there is expanded intravascular volume

Lymph nodes - Femoral canal - Deep inguinal lymph nodes (node of Cloquet) and associated Lymph nodes

Just a note on the difference between the mid inguinal point and the mid point of the inguinal ligament.

Mid inguinal point = mid point of line drawn from ASIS to pubic symphysis

• This is the landmark for the femoral artery

Midpoint of inguinal ligament = mid point of line drawn from ASIS to pubic tubercle

• This is the landmark for the deep inguinal ring