Femoral artery

The femoral artery is a continuation of the external iliac artery beginning deep to the inguinal ligament. It courses through the femoral triangle between the femoral vein and nerve as it descends inferomedially to enter the adductor canal. The artery is most easily palpable within the femoral triangle.

To locate the femoral pulse, apply pressure in the middle of an imaginary line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle using two fingers. It is best to keep the hip in neutral when locating this artery. Note that for any arterial palpation, it is good practice to note the strength, rate and rhythm of the pulse.