Femoral Canal Flashcards
What is the femoral canal?
An anatomical compartment, that is the smallest and most medial part of the femoral sheath
Where is the femoral canal located?
In the anterior thigh
How long is the femoral canal?
~1.3cm
What can the femoral canal be thought of as?
A rectangular shaped compartment
What are the borders of the femoral canal?
Medial Lateral
Anterior
Posterior
What forms the medial border of the femoral canal?
Lacunar ligament
What forms the lateral border of the femoral canal?
Femoral vein
What forms the anterior border of the femoral canal?
Inguinal ligament
What forms the posterior border of the femoral canal?
Pectineal ligament, superior rami of the pubi, and the pectineus muscle
Where is the opening to the femoral canal located?
At its superior border
What is the opening of the femoral canal known as?
The femoral ring
What is the femoral ring closed by?
A connective tissue layer called the femoral septum
What is the femoral septum pierced by?
The lymphatic vessels exiting the canal
What does the femoral canal contain?
Lymphatic vessels
Deep lymph node
Empty space
Loose connective tissue
What do the lymphatic vessels of the femoral canal do?
Drain the deep inguinal lymph nodes
What is the deep lymph node of the femoral canal?
The lacunar node
What does the empty space in the femoral canal allow for?
Distension of the adjacent femoral vein
Why is distension of the adjacent femoral vein important?
So it can cope with increased venous return, or increased intra-abdominal pressure
Why is the femoral canal of particular clinical importance?
It is a common site of bowel herniation
What happens in a femoral hernia?
A part of the small intestine protrudes through the femoral ring
How does a femoral hernia present?
As a lump situated inferolaterally to the pubic tubercle
Who is a femoral hernia more common in?
Women, due to their wider bony pelvis
What is a hernia with a compromised blood supply known as?
A strangulated hernia
Why can a femoral hernia become strangulated?
The borders of the femoral canal are tough, and not particularly extendible, which can compress the hernia, interfering with the blood supply
