Fossa inguinalis lateralis

Fossa inguinalis lateralis

The fossa inguinalis lateralis is a anatomical structure located in the inguinal region of the human body. It is also known as the lateral inguinal fossa.

Anatomy

The fossa inguinalis lateralis is a triangular-shaped depression in the lower abdomen, situated just above the inguinal ligament. It is bounded by several anatomical landmarks, including:

• Inferiorly: The inguinal ligament, which is a fibrous band that runs from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle.
• Medially: The lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle.
• Laterally: The inferior epigastric vessels, which are branches of the external iliac artery.
• Superiorly: The transversalis fascia, which is a layer of connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity.

Function

The fossa inguinalis lateralis serves as a passageway for several structures that travel between the abdomen and the lower extremities. These structures include:

• Femoral nerve: A major nerve that innervates the muscles of the anterior thigh.
• Femoral artery: The main artery that supplies blood to the lower limb.
• Femoral vein: The main vein that drains blood from the lower limb.
• Inguinal lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and help fight infection.

Clinical Significance

The fossa inguinalis lateralis is an important anatomical landmark for surgeons performing procedures in the inguinal region. It is commonly used as a reference point for identifying and accessing structures during surgeries such as hernia repairs.

See Also

• Inguinal region
• Inguinal ligament
• Rectus abdominis muscle
• External iliac artery
• Transversalis fascia
• Femoral nerve
• Femoral artery
• Femoral vein
• Inguinal lymph nodes