Structure
The lacunar ligament is a triangular or half-moon shaped, shelf-like ligament that is formed by medially fibers of the inguinal ligament and fibers from the fascia lata of the thigh. It is approximately 2 cm from base to apex. Its apex is a narrow point where the ligament meets the pectineal ligament at the pubic tubercle. The lacunar ligament is laterally concave and forms the medial rim of the femoral ring. It is larger in males than females.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The apex of the lacunar ligament is attached to the pubic tubercle and superior pubic ramus; fibers extend posteriorly and attach to the pectineal line. Thus, it forms the floor of the medial third of the inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring.
Function
The lacunar ligament, along with the inguinal ligament, supports the femoral sheath. It helps in holding open the thin walled femoral vein fixed inside the sheath under the stresses and strains of movement and intra-abdominal pressure changes (Lytle, 1974).
List of Clinical Correlates
- Strangulated femoral hernia (Gimbernat's hernia)
References
Lytle, W. J. (1974) 'The inguinal and lacunar ligaments', J Anat, 118(Pt 2), pp. 241-51.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Joint Ligament
Entheseal structures are widely located throughout the body and are represented by the interface between bone and several tissues including tendon, joint capsules and ligaments.
