Mnemonic

Boundaries of the Femoral Triangle

A mnemonic for the boundaries and contents of the femoral triangle.

Expansion

Inguinal ligament above, sartorius laterally, adductor longus medially

Expansion

Boundaries

  • Superiorly - inguinal ligament
  • Laterally - medial border of sartorius
  • Medially - medial border of adductor longus
  • Floor - iliopsoas, pectineus and adductor longus
  • Roof - fascia lata, pierced by the saphenous opening

Contents, lateral to medial, NAVEL:

  • N - femoral Nerve (outside the femoral sheath)
  • A - femoral Artery
  • V - femoral Vein
  • E - Empty space (femoral canal)
  • L - Lymphatics, including Cloquet’s node

The femoral artery is palpated at the mid-inguinal point, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis. Note the contrast with the mid-point of the inguinal ligament, which marks the deep inguinal ring, two similar-sounding landmarks that are frequently confused.