It moves through the popliteal fossa, exiting between the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles.Īt the lower border of the popliteus, the popliteal artery terminates by dividing into the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk. The popliteal artery descends down the posterior thigh, giving rise to genicular branches that supply the knee joint. In addition to the gluteal muscles, the inferior gluteal artery also contributes towards the vasculature of the posterior thigh. The superior gluteal artery leaves the foramen above the piriformis muscle, the inferior below the muscle. These arteries also arise from the internal iliac artery, entering the gluteal region via the greater sciatic foramen. The gluteal region is largely supplied by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries. Posterior branch – This supplies some of the deep gluteal muscles.Anterior branch – This supplies the pectineus, obturator externus, adductor muscles and gracilis.It descends via the obturator canal to enter the medial thigh, bifurcating into two branches: The obturator artery arises from the internal iliac artery in the pelvic region. In addition to the femoral artery, there are other vessels supplying the lower limb. A radio-opaque dye is then injected into the coronary vessels, and any wall thickening or blockages can be visualised via x-ray. This tube is navigated up through the external iliac artery, common iliac artery, aorta, and into the coronary vessels. One such procedure is coronary angiography. Here, the femoral artery is catheterised with a long, thin tube. This makes it suitable for a range of clinical procedures. The femoral artery is located superficially within the femoral triangle, and is thus easy to access. In a fracture of the femoral neck this artery can easily be damaged, and avascular necrosis of the femur head can occur.Ĭlinical Relevance: Accessing the Femoral Artery Medial femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the posterior side of the femur, supplying its neck and head.
Lateral femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the anterior, lateral side of the femur, supplying some of the muscles on the lateral aspect of the thigh.Perforating branches – Consists of three or four arteries that perforate the adductor magnus, contributing to the supply of the muscles in the medial and posterior thigh.It travels posteriorly and distally, giving off three main branches: In the femoral triangle, the profu nda femoris artery arises from the posterolateral aspect of the femoral artery. The external iliac becomes the femoral artery when it crosses under the inguinal ligament and enters the femoral triangle. It is a continuation of the external iliac artery (terminal branch of the abdominal aorta). The main artery of the lower limb is the femoral artery. In the Thigh and Gluteal Region Femoral Artery
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