What it means
Used for structures in the thigh and groin. The femoral artery and vein run through the groin, the femoral pulse is felt there, and the femoral nerve supplies the front of the thigh. A femoral fracture is a break of the femur, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
For the nurse
The femoral pulse is checked in emergencies and before and after procedures that use the groin. After a procedure through the femoral artery, check the site for bleeding and the pulses in the foot.
Related terms
fibula
The thin outer bone of the lower leg, beside the larger tibia.
femoral artery
The large artery that carries blood to the leg, running through the groin and down the thigh.