Vessel
Femoral artery
Main artery of the lower limb
High-yield
Enters the femoral triangle inside the femoral sheath, lateral to the vein (NAVEL). Its pulse is a common access point for angiography.
Overview
The continuation of the external iliac artery in the thigh that supplies the lower limb and passes through the adductor hiatus to become the popliteal artery.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- External iliac artery (deep to the inguinal ligament)
- Branches / tributaries
- Deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery; Superficial epigastric; Superficial and deep external pudendal; Descending genicular arteries
- Supplies
- The lower limb
- Course
- Descends through the femoral triangle and adductor canal, passing through the adductor hiatus to become the popliteal artery
Frequently asked questions
Where does the femoral artery originate?
The femoral artery arises from the external iliac artery (deep to the inguinal ligament).
What does the femoral artery supply?
The femoral artery supplies the lower limb.
What are the branches of the femoral artery?
Branches of the femoral artery include the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery; Superficial epigastric; Superficial and deep external pudendal; Descending genicular arteries.
What is the course of the femoral artery?
Descends through the femoral triangle and adductor canal, passing through the adductor hiatus to become the popliteal artery.