Just inferolateral to the
pubic tubercle the fascia extends downwards forming an arched (falciform) margin of the lateral boundary of the opening. It is covered by a thin perforated part of the superficial fascia called the
fascia cribrosa which is pierced by the
great saphenous vein, the 3 superficial branches of the
femoral artery (except
superficial circumflex iliac artery, which pierces
fascia lata lateral to the saphenous opening), and
lymphatics. It transmits the great saphenous vein and other smaller vessels including the
superficial epigastric artery and
superficial external pudendal artery, as well as the femoral branch of the
genitofemoral nerve. The fascia cribrosa, which is pierced by the structures passing through the opening, closes the aperture and must be removed to expose it. == Clinical significance ==