Femoral Artery Anatomy

Location and Course

• The femoral artery is a major artery in the lower extremities
• It is located in the thigh region and is a continuation of the external iliac artery
• It begins at the inguinal ligament and ends at the adductor hiatus, where it becomes the popliteal artery

Branches

• The femoral artery has several branches, including:
  1. Profunda femoris artery (deep femoral artery)
  2. Medial circumflex femoral artery
  3. Lateral circumflex femoral artery
  4. Descending genicular artery
  5. Superficial external pudendal artery

Function

• The femoral artery supplies oxygenated blood to the lower extremities, including the thigh, knee, and leg
• It is a vital artery for maintaining blood flow to the lower limbs

Clinical Significance

• The femoral artery is a common site for:
  • Arterial puncture for blood draws and arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling
  • Angiography and angioplasty procedures
  • Vascular access for hemodialysis
• It is also a common site for atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease

Compression Points

• The femoral artery can be compressed at several points, including:
  1. The inguinal ligament
  2. The midpoint of the femoral triangle
  3. The adductor canal
• Compression of the femoral artery can be used to control bleeding in emergency situations

Location and Course

• Located in the thigh region, the femoral artery is a continuation of the external iliac artery
• Begins at the inguinal ligament and ends at the adductor hiatus, where it becomes the popliteal artery

Branches

• Profunda femoris artery (deep femoral artery) is a branch of the femoral artery
• Medial circumflex femoral artery is a branch of the femoral artery
• Lateral circumflex femoral artery is a branch of the femoral artery
• Descending genicular artery is a branch of the femoral artery
• Superficial external pudendal artery is a branch of the femoral artery

Function

• Supplies oxygenated blood to the lower extremities, including the thigh, knee, and leg
• Vital for maintaining blood flow to the lower limbs

Clinical Significance

• Common site for arterial puncture for blood draws and ABG sampling
• Common site for angiography and angioplasty procedures
• Common site for vascular access for hemodialysis
• Common site for atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease

Compression Points

• Can be compressed at the inguinal ligament
• Can be compressed at the midpoint of the femoral triangle
• Can be compressed at the adductor canal
• Compression can control bleeding in emergency situations

Test your knowledge of the femoral artery, its location, and its branches in the lower extremities. Learn about its origin, path, and termination in the thigh region.