Lower limb
Femoral ring
Anulus femoralis
- Origin
- The upper, abdominal entrance of the femoral canal, medially in the vascular lacuna below the inguinal ligament
- Insertion
- Bounded by the inguinal ligament in front, the lacunar ligament medially, the femoral vein laterally and the superior pubic ramus behind
- Function
- Transmits lymphatics and gives the femoral vein room to expand; it is the weak point through which a femoral hernia passes
- Innervation
- Genitofemoral and ilioinguinal nerves (L1-L2)
- Movement & chain
- Narrows in hip flexion and internal rotation and widens on straining
- Palpation
- Palpation below and lateral to the pubic tubercle, distal to the inguinal ligament; an inguinal hernia lies above and medial to it
- Clinical
- Femoral hernia (more common in women, high risk of strangulation because of the sharp, rigid borders), Cloquet node as a swelling
- Segmental innervation
- Sensory L1-L2
- In clinical practice
- A painful, irreducible groin swelling is an emergency: strangulation with bowel ischaemia is imminent
- Region in the model
- Lower limb