Femoral Canal

Question 1

What are the borders of the femoral canal?

Answer 1

It has four borders and an opening:

• Medial border – Lacunar ligament.
• Lateral border – Femoral vein.
• Anterior border – Inguinal ligament.
• Posterior border – Pectineal ligament, superior rami of the pubi and the pectineus muscle

Question 2

Where is the opening of the femoral canal? What is it closed by and what pierces it?

Answer 2

The opening to the femoral canal is located at its superior border, known as the femoral ring. The femoral ring is closed by a connective tissue layer – the femoral septum. This septum is pierced by the lymphatic vessels exiting the canal.

Question 3

What are the contents of the femoral canal?

Answer 3

• Lymphatic vessels – draining the deep inguinal lymph nodes.
• Deep lymph node – the lacunar node.
• Empty space.
• Loose connective tissue.

Question 4

What does the empty space allow for?

Answer 4

The empty space allows distension of the adjacent femoral vein, so it can cope with increased venous return, or increased intra-abdominal pressure.