The femoral triangle contains several important neurovascular structures arranged from lateral to medial. Which is the correct lateral-to-medial order of its contents within the femoral sheath?

• A Femoral nerve – femoral artery – femoral vein – femoral canal ✓
• B Femoral nerve – femoral vein – femoral artery – femoral canal
• C Femoral artery – femoral vein – femoral nerve – femoral canal
• D Femoral canal – femoral vein – femoral artery – femoral nerve

Explanation

The mnemonic NAVEL (Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty space, Lymphatics) describes the lateral-to-medial arrangement in the femoral triangle. Importantly, the femoral nerve lies outside the femoral sheath (which contains only the artery, vein, and canal). Within the sheath from lateral to medial: femoral artery, femoral vein, and femoral canal (containing lymphatics). The nerve is lateral to the sheath.

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

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