The femoral artery is present in both the right and left lower limbs. It is the largest artery supplying the lower extremity, acting as the primary conduit for blood flow to the entire leg. This vessel begins in the groin region and extends downward toward the knee, carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Understanding its location and function is important because it is a significant part of the body’s circulatory system.
The Femoral Artery’s Location and Path
The femoral artery begins as a direct continuation of the external iliac artery from the abdomen. This transition occurs as the vessel passes beneath the inguinal ligament, a strong band of tissue marking the boundary between the torso and the thigh. Upon entering the thigh, this segment is referred to as the common femoral artery, situated within the femoral triangle just below the groin crease.
The common femoral artery then divides into two main branches: the deep femoral artery, also called the profunda femoris, and the superficial femoral artery. The deep femoral artery dives deeper into the musculature of the thigh, providing blood supply to the hip, femur, and major thigh muscles. The superficial femoral artery continues its course down the medial side of the thigh, traveling through a muscular tunnel called the adductor canal.
Upon exiting the adductor canal through an opening in the adductor magnus muscle, the superficial femoral artery changes its name. At this point, located just behind the knee, it becomes the popliteal artery, which then continues to supply the structures of the calf and foot. The entire structure is bilateral, with an identical arrangement of arteries and branches in both the right and the left leg.
Essential Role in Leg Circulation
The primary physiological role of the femoral artery and its network of branches is to deliver oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to the entire lower limb. Its considerable size is necessary to handle the high volume of blood flow required by the substantial muscle mass of the thigh, calf, and foot. This delivery system ensures that active leg muscles, such as those used for walking or running, receive the necessary oxygen and metabolic fuel.
The deep femoral artery nourishes the dense, deep tissues of the thigh, including the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups. The superficial femoral artery continues the supply line, ensuring that the lower leg, knee joint, and distal extremities receive a continuous flow of fresh blood. A healthy, unobstructed femoral artery is fundamental for maintaining the vitality and function of the lower body.
Why the Femoral Artery is Clinically Important
The femoral artery is a significant anatomical landmark in medicine due to its accessibility and size, making it a reliable site for clinical assessments and procedures. In emergency situations, the common femoral artery in the groin is frequently used to check a patient’s pulse. Because it is large and relatively close to the surface, palpating a strong femoral pulse provides a quick assessment of circulatory status, especially when peripheral pulses are weak.
This artery is also the most common access point for a wide range of minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures, such as angiography and stent placement. A small catheter can be inserted into the common femoral artery, allowing doctors to thread wires and tools up to the heart, brain, or other parts of the arterial system for diagnosis or treatment. Proper puncture technique is important; if the puncture site is too high, it increases the risk of bleeding into the retroperitoneal space.
Due to the femoral artery’s size and high blood flow, any injury to this vessel can result in life-threatening hemorrhage. Trauma to the upper thigh or groin area can lead to rapid blood loss, requiring immediate and forceful manual pressure to control the bleeding. Knowledge of the artery’s precise location, just medial to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament, is essential for both emergency responders and surgeons.