Femoral sheath

The femoral sheath is the funnel-shaped fascial space that extends from the abdomen, inferior to the inguinal ligament, into the femoral triangle. It has variable length and terminates by blending in with the adventitia of the femoral vessels. It is formed from the transversalis and psoas fascia within the abdomen and functions to allow movement of the femoral vessels during hip movement.

Two vertical septae divide the femoral sheath into three separate compartments:

• medial compartment: also known as the femoral canal
• intermediate compartment: contains the common femoral vein
• lateral compartment: contains the common femoral artery