Which of the following structures passes behind the inguinal ligament? 1. Femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve 2. Superficial epigastric aery 3. Psoas major 4. Femoral vein 5. Saphenous vein

Three small cutaneous aeries (superficial external pudendal, superficial epigastric and superficial circumflex iliac aeries) arising from the femoral aery can be seen a little below the inguinal ligaments.Femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve pierces the femoral sheath and overlying deep fascia 2 cm below the mid inguinal point.The great saphenous vein pierces the saphenous opening in the deep fascia (fascia lata) of the thigh and joins the femoral vein 4 cm below and lateral to the pubic tubercle.So from the above discussion it is clear that femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve, superficial epigastric aery and saphenous vein passes below (not behind) the inguinal ligament. Psoas major inseion: The muscle passes behind the inguinal ligament and in front of the hip joint to enter the thigh. Femoral vein leaves the thigh by passing behind the inguinal ligament. Ref: Snell's 8/e, Page 650-52; BDC 4/e, Vol II, Page 47, 48, 318.