For femoral artery access (e.g., cardiac catheterisation), the femoral artery is accessed below the inguinal ligament. The inguinal ligament is the surface marking between which two bony landmarks?

• A Anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic symphysis
• B Anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle ✓
• C Posterior superior iliac spine to the pubic symphysis
• D Iliac crest to the pubic tubercle

Explanation

The inguinal ligament (Poupart's ligament) stretches from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle. It represents the inferior free margin of the external oblique aponeurosis, folded back on itself. The femoral artery passes under this ligament at the midpoint (mid-inguinal point — midway between ASIS and pubic symphysis) to enter the femoral triangle. Accessing the artery 1-2 cm below the inguinal ligament in the femoral triangle is the correct and safe zone for arterial puncture to avoid retroperitoneal haematoma.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.