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]]