Femoral canal

From Ganfyd

This is the most medial part of the femoral sheath (see purple area in diagram to the right). It is sometimes described as an 'empty' space, but actually contains fat and lymph nodes. The solitary lymph node in this area is referred to as Cloquet's node).

The opening of the the femoral canal is the femoral ring.

The relations of the femoral ring are:

• Anteriorly: Inguinal ligament
• Posteriorly: Pectineus
• Medially: Lacunar ligament
• Laterally: Fibrous septum on the medial side of the femoral vein.

The ligamentous structures are unyielding, while the pectineus muscle and the femoral vein have limited give. This explains why bowel entering the canal can easily get trapped and strangulate.