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