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CoursesAnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsFemoral artery and its branches

CoursesAnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsFemoral artery and its branches

Femoral artery and its branches

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Describe the general pathway of the femoral artery.
Name the major branches of the femoral artery and the areas they supply.

Watch video

The femoral artery is the major artery supplying blood to the lower limb. It starts at the level of the inguinal ligament, as a continuation of the external iliac artery, and terminates at the knee as the popliteal artery. Within the anterior thigh, the femoral artery gives off several branches, the largest being the deep femoral artery (deep artery of thigh). The femoral artery is accompanied along its course by the femoral vein.

Watch the following video to learn more about the femoral artery.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the video on the femoral artery check your knowledge by taking the following quiz.

Test your knowledge on the bigger picture using this fully customizable quiz for a broader overview of the neurovasculature of the lower limb.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the femoral artery and its branches in the gallery below.

Summary

Key points about the femoral artery
Pathway of the femoral artery	Origin: Continuation of the external iliac artery after inguinal ligament Pathway: Descends the anterior thigh Termination: Popliteal artery
Main branches of the femoral artery	Superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac, superficial external pudendal, deep external pudendal, deep femoral, lateral circumflex artery of the thigh, medial circumflex artery of the thigh, descending genicular artery

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