Femoral Triangle

Description

Femoral triangle of left thigh and its contents

Diagram of the femoral sheath and its contents.

Alternative Names

• Scarpa’s Triangle
• Scarpa Triangle
• Femoral Trigonum
• Trigonum Femorale
• Anterior Femoral Triangle
• Anterior Thigh Triangle

Introduction

• Wedge shaped area located within the superomedial aspect of anterior thigh
• Transmits structures entering and leaving the thigh

Borders

• Roof: fascia lata
• Floor: pectineus, iliopsoas, adductor longus muscles
• Superior border: inguinal ligament
  • Acts as a flexor retinaculum, supports the contents of the femoral triangle
• Lateral border: medial border of sartorius
• Medial border: medial border of the adductor longus

Contents

• Femoral Nerve
• Femoral Artery
• Femoral Vein
• Femoral canal (contains deep lymph nodes and vessels)

Femoral Canal

• Femoral ring: superior opening of femoral canal
• Smaller, inner compartment within the femoral sheath in the medial portion of the triangle
• Function: Allows for expansion of the femoral vein and contains lymphatics and fat.
• Clinically important because it's a common site for femoral hernias.

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Clinical Significance

• Femoral Hernia
• Femoral Nerve Block

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See Also

• Hip Pain Main
• Hip Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Hip

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