Vessel
Deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery
Chief supply of the thigh
High-yield
Its perforating branches supply the posterior thigh; the medial femoral circumflex artery is the main supply to the femoral head.
Overview
The largest branch of the femoral artery, the main blood supply to the thigh muscles via its perforating and circumflex branches.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Femoral artery
- Branches / tributaries
- Medial femoral circumflex artery; Lateral femoral circumflex artery; Perforating arteries
- Supplies
- The thigh muscles (all three compartments) and the femoral head
- Course
- Arises from the posterolateral femoral artery in the femoral triangle and descends deep in the thigh
Clinical correlation
The medial femoral circumflex artery is the dominant supply to the femoral head - at risk in femoral neck fractures.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery originate?
The deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery arises from the femoral artery.
What does the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery supply?
The deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery supplies the thigh muscles (all three compartments) and the femoral head.
What are the branches of the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery?
Branches of the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery include the medial femoral circumflex artery; Lateral femoral circumflex artery; Perforating arteries.
What is the course of the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery?
Arises from the posterolateral femoral artery in the femoral triangle and descends deep in the thigh.