On axial CT of the pelvis at the level of the acetabulum, the structure immediately lateral to the femoral vein and medial to the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle is the:

• A Iliopsoas muscle tendon
• B Obturator internus muscle
• C Femoral canal containing lymphatics ✓
• D Pectineus muscle

Explanation

The femoral sheath is divided from lateral to medial into three compartments: femoral nerve (outside sheath, most lateral), femoral artery, femoral vein, and most medially the femoral canal containing lymphatics (Cloquet's node) and loose connective tissue. On axial CT or MRI at the femoral triangle level, the femoral canal appears as a small fat-containing space medial to the femoral vein. This medial compartment is the site of femoral hernia development. Understanding this medial-to-lateral arrangement (NAVEL: Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty canal, Lymphatics) is crucial for cross-sectional identification.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.