370 ANATOMY OF THE RABBIT 



side of the right thigh. ^ By inserting the fingers well down into 

 the incision, the skin may be torn backward and toward the ventral 

 middle line, and at the same time the superficial epigastric vessels 

 will be carried with the subcutaneous tissue well out of the oper- 

 ator's way. Small portions of the inner surface of the thigh and of 

 the abdominal wall will be exposed. The white cord representing 

 the inguinal ligament Ues in the bottom of the inguinal furrow. 

 Appearing from beneath the ligament in this position, and passing 

 to the surface of the thigh, are the femoral nerve, artery, and vein, 

 covered by an exceedingly thin layer of muscle belonging to the 

 sartorius. The three structures may be separated from one another, 

 and the muscle pulled away at the same time, by working length- 

 wise along the structures with fine forceps. The artery must be 

 thoroughly cleared for about 3 cm. from the inguinal ligament. 

 Care must be exercised in this operation to avoid breaking its 

 branches or the tributaries of the vein. The artery lies in front of 

 the vein and is distinguishable by its smaller size, its flattened or 

 collapsed condition, and its white coloration. The vein will be 

 found greatly distended with blood. The nerve lies in front and 

 partly on the lateral side of the artery. 



When the femoral artery has been fully exposed, a ligature of 

 coarse thread, previously moistened, may be passed around its base, 

 close to the inguinal ligament. An ordinary single knot may be 

 placed on the ligature, but must be left loose until the cannula is 

 inserted. By grasping the bare edge of the artery at about 2 cm. 

 from the ligament, the operator may make a V-shaped incision in 

 the vessel with fine scissors. The tips of the scissors are directed 

 toward the ligament. The incision must be clean-cut, and care 

 must be taken not to cut more than half-way through the vessel. 

 By taking up the little angular flap with fine forceps, the cannula 

 may be worked into the vessel and pushed well down into it beyond 

 the inguinal ligament. The knot is then tightened by a gentle 

 even pull on the ends of the thread. The knot should never be 

 pulled very tight or doubled. 



^The embalming may be done from the common carotid artery of the neck, a 

 vessel much larger than the femoral artery and therefore easier of manipulation. 

 This is not recommended, however, because of the damage done to various 

 important structures of the cervical region. 



