The femoral artery is a major blood vessel delivering oxygenated blood to the entire lower limb. It continues the external iliac artery from the pelvis, marking the transition of blood flow from the core of the body into the thigh. Because of its size and proximity to the surface in the groin area, the femoral artery is a primary site for assessing the strength and rhythm of the heartbeat, providing immediate insight into a person’s circulatory health.
Where the Femoral Artery Runs
This artery begins its course in the upper thigh, immediately after passing beneath the inguinal ligament. The inguinal ligament is a band of connective tissue spanning from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) on the pelvis to the pubic bone. The segment just below this ligament, known as the common femoral artery, is situated within the femoral triangle.
The artery runs vertically down the anterior and medial side of the thigh. It is positioned lateral to the femoral vein and the femoral nerve, though only the artery and vein are contained within the femoral sheath. The femoral artery gives off the deep femoral artery, which supplies the muscles of the thigh. It continues its path, eventually passing through an opening to become the popliteal artery behind the knee.
Locating the Femoral Pulse: Step-by-Step
Finding the femoral pulse requires accurate identification of specific bony landmarks. The person should be lying flat on their back (supine), with the leg slightly bent and rotated outward to relax the surrounding muscles. This positioning makes the groin area more accessible and the pulse easier to detect.
The first step involves locating the two prominent bony points that define the inguinal ligament: the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the pubic symphysis. The ASIS is the bony protrusion at the front of the hip, and the pubic symphysis is the joint where the two pubic bones meet. The pulse is found at the mid-inguinal point, which is halfway between these two landmarks.
To feel the pulse, the pads of the index and middle fingers should be placed just below the inguinal ligament at this midpoint. Firm pressure is necessary to compress the vessel against the underlying bone of the pelvis due to the artery’s depth and overlying tissue. Pressing too lightly will prevent the pulse from being felt, especially in individuals with more subcutaneous tissue.
Once the artery is located, a strong, rhythmic pulsation should be felt beneath the fingertips. If the pulse is difficult to find, the fingers can be walked slightly side-to-side along the mid-inguinal line while maintaining firm pressure. The pulse strength should be assessed for its quality.
Why Finding the Femoral Artery Matters
Locating the femoral artery and its pulse is important in medical and emergency situations. Because it is a large vessel close to the core of the body, the femoral pulse is considered a central pulse point. It is often the last pulse to disappear during a severe drop in blood pressure, making it a reliable indicator of persistent circulation during trauma or cardiac arrest assessment.
In emergency care, a palpable femoral pulse confirms that the systolic blood pressure is high enough to sustain organ function. Knowing the exact location of the artery is useful for managing life-threatening bleeding from the lower limb. Applying direct pressure to the femoral artery in the groin can help control hemorrhage until medical aid is available.
The femoral artery is routinely used in various medical procedures. Its accessible location makes it the preferred site for inserting catheters during angiography and other endovascular surgeries. Physicians can thread long, thin tubes through this artery, navigating them up to the heart or other distant vessels to diagnose or treat conditions. A precise understanding of its anatomy is necessary to access the artery safely and effectively.