The femoral region is an anatomical area in the human body, located in the thigh. It encompasses various structures essential for movement, circulation, and sensation in the lower limb.
Understanding the Term “Femoral”
The term “femoral” refers to anything related to the thigh or the femur bone. When a medical professional or scientist uses “femoral,” they are indicating a connection to the upper leg, from the hip down to the knee.
The Femur: Thigh Bone
The femur, the thigh bone, is the bone of the upper leg, extending from the hip to the knee. It is the longest, strongest, and heaviest bone in the human body. It provides structural support for the thigh, connecting the hip and knee joints. Its strength allows it to bear significant body weight and withstand considerable forces, essential for activities like standing, walking, running, and jumping.
The femur’s proximal end articulates with the pelvis forming the hip joint, while its distal end connects with the tibia and patella creating the knee joint. It also serves as an attachment point for muscles, tendons, and ligaments, facilitating movement and balance. Its thick, nearly spherical shaft resists compressive stress, supporting body weight.
The Femoral Artery and Vein
The femoral artery and femoral vein are major blood vessels located within the femoral triangle. This triangular space is situated in the groin area, just below the inguinal ligament. The femoral artery, continuing from the external iliac artery, is the primary vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the entire lower limb. It runs down the front and inner thigh, providing nutrients and oxygen to leg muscles and tissues.
The femoral vein runs alongside the femoral artery, collecting deoxygenated blood from the lower leg and returning it to the heart. Within the femoral triangle, the femoral artery is typically lateral to the femoral vein, though their exact relationship can vary. Its superficial location makes its pulse easily palpable, a common point for assessing lower body circulation. Both vessels, along with lymphatic vessels, are enclosed within the femoral sheath, which organizes and protects these structures.
The Femoral Nerve
The femoral nerve is a major nerve of the lower limb, originating from the lumbar plexus of the lower spine. It descends through the pelvis and enters the thigh, typically lateral to the femoral artery within the femoral triangle. It is the largest branch of the lumbar plexus, formed from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L2-L4.
The femoral nerve has motor and sensory functions. It provides motor innervation to the quadriceps femoris muscles, responsible for extending the leg at the knee. This enables actions like straightening the knee, walking, running, and climbing stairs. It also supplies sensory innervation to the skin over the front and inner thigh, and the inner leg and foot. This allows for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature in these areas.