Identify the branches of the femoral artery. (G 6.25;N 488;Gl 34.34B)
- Identify the profunda femoris artery (deep artery of the thigh) passing deep to the femoral artery in the femoral triangle.
- Identify the medial circumflex femoral artery emerging from the medial aspect of the profunda femoris artery. The medial circumflex femoral artery passes (from anterior to posterior) between the pectineus and iliopsoas muscles.
- Identify the lateral circumflex femoral artery arising from the lateral aspect of the profunda femoris artery. This artery typically crosses anterior to the proximal attachment of the vastus intermedius muscle. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (and/or the medial circumflex femoral artery) may arise directly from the femoral artery. Attempt to identify the ascending, transverse and descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.
Important Relationships
- The lateral circumflex femoral artery passes anterior and lateral to the femur.
- In its anterior to posterior course, the medial circumflex femoral artery passes directly lateral to the pectineus muscle.
- The medial circumflex femoral artery passes directly medial to the iliopsoas muscle.
