Femoral triangle 239677 218812939 2008-06-12T08:08:25Z 211.44.35.160 Google test showed this to be the correct Latin term {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = trigonum femorale | GraySubject = 157 | GrayPage = 626 | Image = Femoral_triangle.gif | Caption = Drawing of the left femoral triangle - shows superior portion of the [[femoral vein]]. | Image2 = Gray545.png | Caption2 = Right femoral sheath laid open to show its three compartments | System = | Precursor = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = t_19 | DorlandsSuf = 12823448 | }} The '''femoral triangle''' (of [[Antonio Scarpa|Scarpa]]) is an anatomical region of the upper inner [[human]] [[thigh]]. ==Boundaries== It is bounded by: * ([[anatomical terms of location|superiorly]]) the [[inguinal ligament]] * ([[anatomical terms of location|medially]]) the medial border of [[adductor longus muscle]] * ([[anatomical terms of location|laterally]]) the medial border of [[sartorius muscle]] One mnemonic to remember the boundaries is "'''S'''o '''I''' '''M'''ay '''A'''lways '''L'''ove '''S'''ally"<ref name="MedicalMnemonics">{{MedicalMnemonics|1142|5414|2776|10}}</ref> Its floor is formed by the [[iliopsoas]] and [[pectineus]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wnor/antthigh.htm |title=Anterior Thigh |accessdate=2008-01-27 |format= |work=}}</ref> Its roof is formed by the [[fascia lata]]. ==Contents== It is important as a number of vital structures pass through it, right under the skin. The following structures are contained within the femoral triangle (from [[anatomical terms of location|lateral]] to [[anatomical terms of location|medial]]): * the [[femoral nerve]] (not contained within the [[femoral sheath]]) * the [[femoral artery]] * the [[femoral vein]] These structures are also within the femoral triangle: * the [[Iliopsoas]] muscle ([[Iliacus]] and [[Psoas major]] tendons joined together) * the [[Pectineus]] muscle * [[deep inguinal lymph nodes]] ==Clinical significance== Since the femoral triangle provides easy access to a major artery, [[angioplasty|coronary angioplasty]] is often performed by entering the femoral artery at the femoral triangle. In [[first aid]], heavy bleeding in the leg can be stopped by applying pressure to points in the femoral triangle. ==Mnemonics== Several mnemonics have been created to remember the order of the nerve, artery, and vein in this triangle:<ref name="MedicalMnemonics"> </ref> * lateral to medial - "NAVY": nerve, artery, vein, [[Y-fronts]]. (Y-fronts are a type of [[underwear]].) * lateral to medial - "NAVEL" nerve, artery, vein, empty space, [[lymphatics]]. * medial to lateral - "VAN": vein, artery, nerve. These three structures are found in the same order in the [[intercostal space]], from top to bottom. * medial to lateral - "vagina, artery, nerve" * the phrase "venous near the [[penis]]" can be used to remember that the vein is more medial than the artery or nerve. * medial to lateral - "IVAN": Inside, Vein, Artery, Nerve * lateral to medial "Take a SIP of the Adductor Longus, that's next to my penis": Sartorius, Ilipsoas, Pectineus, Adductor Longus ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Gray1238.png|Front and medial aspect of right thigh. </gallery> ==References== <references/> ==External links== * {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|12|02|01|01}} - "Anterior and Medial Thigh Region: Boundaries of the Femoral Triangle" * {{GPnotebook|-483065779}} * {{eMedicineDictionary|Femoral+triangle}} * {{NormanAnatomy|antthigh}} * [http://courses.washington.edu/hubio553/atlas/209.html Diagram at washington.edu] {{Lower limb general}} [[Category:Pelvic limb anatomy]] [[de:Schenkeldreieck]] [[pt:Triângulo femoral]]