Femoral sheath, artery, vein and nerve (dave's notes) Flashcards
Describe the relation of the sheath to its vessels and nerves
Vessels must pierce the fascial envelop (drawing out a funnel-shaped envelope), while nerves do not need to do so
Where does fascia fuse with the adventitia? What is the purpose of the sheath?
The fascia fuses with the adventitia about an inch below the inguinal ligament. The sheath’s presence allows for freedom of movement.
What does the femoral space separate? What does this allow for?
The femoral space separates the sheath from the medial side of the femoral vein, allowing for lymph and expansion.
Where is the femoral ring widest? What are its four boundaries?
Widest at the abdominal end.
Anteriorly lies the medial part of the inguinal ligament
Medially lies the crescentic edge of the lacunar ligament
Posteriorly lies the pectineal ligament
Laterally lies the femoral vein.
What pierces the medial part of the inguinal ligament
The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve, coming out in the sheath???
Where does the femoral artery enter the anterior compartment of the thigh? What is its immediate course thereafter?
Midway between the ASIS and the pubic symphasis, medial to the deep inguinal ring (middle of ASIS/pubic tubercle). Courses downwards and disappears beneath sartorius.
What are the branches of the femoral artery?
Has four small branches below the inguinal ligament (??)
Then gives off the large profunda femoris artery.
Where does the profunda femoris arise? List the branches of the profunda femoris.
Arises 4cm below the inguinal ligament. Vessel of the thigh muscles.
Lateral circumflex artery
Medial circumflex artery
Perforating arteries.
Where does the lateral circumflex artery arise? What is its course? What are its branches?
Arises from the lateral side of PFA or FA, passes laterally, dividing the branches of the femoral nerve into superficial and deep groups.
Branches are: Ascending, transverse, and descending.
What is the course of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex artery? What does it supply?
Runs up vastus lateralis to the ASIS
What is the course of the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex artery?
Passes across vastus lateralis, winding around the cruciate ligament
What is the course of the deciding branch of the lateral circumflex artery? What does it supply?
The descending branch slopes steeply downwards supplying the lower end of the femur.
Where does the medial circumflex femoral artery arise? What is its course? What are its branches?
Arises from the medial side of the profunda femoris, and passes backwards, ending by dividing on quadriceps femoris into ascending (to trochanteric anastomosis) and horizontal branch (cruciate anastomosis)
What is the course and destination of the perforating arteries?
The perforating arteries pass backwards and upwards and supply the adductor muscles and hamstrings.
Where does the femoral vein enter the anterior compartment of the thigh?
At the lower angle of the femoral triangle (there lies posteriorly)
