Dissection of anterior and medial aspects of thigh

Femoral sheath

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Image #186-2

Dissection of anterior and medial aspects of thigh

Femoral sheath

Below the inguinal ligament the femoral sheath (13) has been exposed by removing the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, the cribiform fascia and part of the fascia lata which bounds the saphenous opening. The inferior part of the falciform margin of this opening has been retained (17).

1. Inguinal ligament
2. Location of femoral canal (note lymphatic vessels penetrating femoral sheath in this area) 3. Intercrural fibers
3. Superficial inguinal ring (left pointer, medial crus; right pointer, lateral crus)
4. Ilioinguinal nerve (cut off)
5. Spermatic cord (external spermatic fascia removed cremasteric fascia exposed)
6. Pectineus muscle (covered by fascia)
7. Adductor longus muscle (covered by fascia lata)
8. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
9. Iliopsoas muscle (covered by iliopsoas fascia)
10. Cutaneous branches of anterior femoral nerve
11. Superficial circumflex iliac artery
12. Femoral sheath
13. Sartorius muscle (covered by fascia lata)
14. Greater saphenous vein (cut off)
15. Deep inguinal lymph node
16. Margo falciformis (inferior horn)
17. Fascia lata