FEMORAL ARTERY AND VEIN

In the Thigh and Gluteal Region

Femoral Artery

The main artery of the lower limb is the femoral artery. It is a continuation of the external iliac artery (terminal branch of the abdominal aorta). The external iliac becomes the femoral artery when it crosses under the inguinal ligament and enters the femoral triangle.

In the femoral triangle, the profunda femoris artery arises from the posterolateral aspect of the femoral artery. It travels posteriorly and distally, giving off three main branches:

• 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.
• 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.
• Medial femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the posterior side of the femur, supplying its neck and head. In a fracture of the femoral neck this artery can easily be damaged, and avascular necrosis of the femur head can occur.