The lower limb communicates directly with the abdomen through a gap between the pelvic bone and the inguinal ligament (Fig. 6.14). Structures passing though this gap include: muscles—psoas major, iliacus, and pectineus; nerves—femoral and femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerves, and the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh; vessels—femoral artery and vein; and lymphatics.