Anatomy of the Femoral Triangle

The femoral triangle (of Scarpa) is an anatomical region of the upper inner human thigh.

Boundaries
It is bounded by: Its floor is formed by the iliopsoas and pectineus. Its roof is formed by the fascia lata.
 * the inguinal ligament (superiorly)
 * the sartorius muscle (laterally)
 * the adductor longus muscle (medially)

Contents
It is important as a number of vital structures pass through it, right under the skin - most notably (from lateral to medial: it also contains the deep inguinal nodes.
 * the femoral nerve
 * the femoral artery
 * the femoral vein

Clinical significance
Since the femoral triangle provides easy access to a major artery, 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:


 * lateral to medial - "NAVY": nerve, artery, vein, Y-fronts. (Y-fronts are a brand 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.