Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery

Excerpt

The femoral artery is the branch of the external iliac artery, passing inferiorly to the inguinal ligament. It serves as the lower limb's primary blood supply. The deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery) is the main branch of the common femoral artery. Its largest branches are the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries (see Image. Branches of the Femoral Artery).

The medial femoral circumflex artery branches out posteromedially from the deep femoral artery, while the lateral femoral circumflex artery diverges posterolaterally from the same source. The lateral femoral circumflex artery supplies blood to the femoral head and neck, greater trochanter, vastus lateralis, and knee.

The lateral femoral circumflex artery is clinically significant because it can get injured during hip joint surgery. It is also useful as a vascular graft for coronary artery bypass graft surgery and similar procedures.