fémoral

Fémoral is an anatomical term used to refer to the femur or the thigh and to structures associated with that region. In English medical usage the form is femoral, while fémoral is the French spelling.

The femur is the long bone of the thigh, extending from the hip joint to the knee. The fémoral region comprises the proximal femur (fémoral head and neck, greater and lesser trochanters) and the distal femur near the knee joint, including the condyles and epicondyles. The word is used to name muscles, vessels, nerves, and landmarks in this area.

Key fémoral structures include the femoral artery, vein, and nerve. The femoral artery supplies the lower limb; it runs in the femoral triangle beneath the inguinal ligament and becomes the popliteal artery after passing through the adductor canal. The femoral vein accompanies the artery. The femoral nerve arises from the lumbar plexus and innervates most of the anterior thigh muscles and provides sensation to parts of the thigh and leg via the saphenous nerve.

Clinical notes: Fractures of the femur and injuries to the femoral artery are important medical concerns in trauma. A femoral hernia is a protrusion through the femoral canal, occurring below the inguinal ligament and can risk strangulation.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin femur meaning thigh; in English medical usage the adjective is femoral, while fémoral is the French spelling.