Iliopectineal Fascia

fascia iliopectinea

The iliopectineal fascia (iliopectineal arch) is a condensation of the iliac fascia separating the muscular lacuna (containing the iliopsoas and femoral nerve) from the vascular lacuna (containing the femoral artery, vein, and lymphatics) beneath the inguinal ligament.

Region: Thigh

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Divides the subinguinal space into two compartments, separates the femoral nerve from the femoral vessels, provides a reference landmark for inguinal anatomy, and is the fascial layer traversed in femoral nerve block.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The iliopectineal arch reliably separates the femoral nerve (lateral to the arch, in the muscular lacuna) from the femoral artery and vein (medial, in the vascular lacuna). In femoral hernia repair, understanding the iliopectineal arch prevents inadvertent femoral nerve injury during retraction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Iliopectineal Arch in Femoral Triangle Anatomy

The iliopectineal fascia separating the muscular lacuna (femoral nerve) from the vascular lacuna (femoral vessels) beneath the inguinal ligament — the key to safe femoral nerve identification and femoral vascular access.