MSK - The Femoral Canal Flashcards
Where is the femoral canal located?
In the **anterior thigh, **in the femoral canal
It is the smallest and most medial pat of the femoral sheath
What shape compartment is it?
Rectangular
What is the medial border of the femoral canal?
Lacunar Ligament
What is the Lateral border of the femoral canal?
Femoral Vein
What is the Anterior border of the femoral canal?
Inguinal ligament
What is the Posterior border of the femoral canal?
Pecineal ligament and Superior Rami of the Pubis
Where is the opening to the femoral canal?
What is it known as?
What is it closed by?
Superior Border
The Femoral Ring
Closed by a connective tissue layer known as the femoral septum
Label this diagram
What does the femoral canal contain?
Lympthatic Vessels
Deep Lymph Nodes - The Lacunar Node
Empty Space
Loose Connective Tissue
What is the empty space of the femoral canal to allow for?
Allows distension of the adjacent femoral vein so it can cope with:
a) Increased Venous Return
b) Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure
The femoral canal is a site of clinical importance because it is a common site of what?
Bowel Herniation
What is the definition of a hernia?
‘where an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall‘
What happens during a femoral hernia?
Part of the small intestines protrudes through the femora ring
How does a femoral hernia present?
As a lump situated inferiolaterally to the pubic tubercle
Why is this type of herniation seen more commonly in women?
Due to their wider bony pelvis
