Femoral sheath

Anatomical structure surrounding the femoral artery and vein

Femoral Sheath

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Diagram of the femoral sheath

The femoral sheath is a funnel-shaped fascial compartment located in the upper thigh. It encloses the femoral artery, femoral vein, and the femoral canal, but notably does not contain the femoral nerve.

Anatomy

The femoral sheath is formed by a downward extension of the transversalis fascia and the iliac fascia. It is divided into three compartments:

• The lateral compartment contains the femoral artery.
• The intermediate compartment contains the femoral vein.
• The medial compartment, known as the femoral canal, contains lymphatic vessels and a lymph node, often referred to as the Cloquet's node.

Function

The primary function of the femoral sheath is to allow the femoral vessels to glide smoothly beneath the inguinal ligament during movements of the hip joint. This reduces friction and potential damage to the vessels.

Clinical Significance

The femoral sheath is clinically significant because it is a site where femoral hernias can occur. A femoral hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the femoral canal. This condition is more common in females and can lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation of the herniated tissue.

Surgical Considerations

During surgical procedures involving the femoral artery or vein, such as angiography or vascular surgery, the femoral sheath is often accessed. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for avoiding complications.

Related pages

• Femoral artery
• Femoral vein
• Femoral nerve
• Inguinal ligament
• Femoral hernia