Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients from the heart to various tissues and organs. In the legs, these arteries are important for movement, muscle function, and overall tissue health, supporting daily activities like walking and standing.
Main Arteries of the Thigh
Blood enters the thigh via the external iliac artery, which becomes the common femoral artery beneath the inguinal ligament, a strong band of tissue in the groin. The common femoral artery is located in the upper thigh, near the midpoint of the inguinal ligament. It extends about 4 centimeters before dividing into two primary branches.
This artery then bifurcates into the superficial femoral artery and the deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery). The superficial femoral artery supplies the anterior thigh muscles. The deep femoral artery, the largest branch, travels deeply into the thigh, supplying muscles and skin of the lateral, medial, and posterior compartments.
The deep femoral artery arises 3 to 4 centimeters below the inguinal ligament, often from the posterolateral side of the common femoral artery. It descends along the medial side of the femur, supplying the thigh muscles involved in leg movement.
Key Arteries Around the Knee
As the superficial femoral artery descends through the thigh, it passes through the adductor hiatus, an opening in the adductor magnus muscle behind the knee. Here, it becomes the popliteal artery as it enters the popliteal fossa, the space at the back of the knee.
The popliteal artery is deeply positioned within this fossa, near the knee joint capsule. It is the primary conduit for blood flow to the lower leg and foot, also supplying the knee joint and surrounding muscles.
Principal Arteries of the Lower Leg and Foot
Below the knee, at the lower border of the popliteus muscle, the popliteal artery divides into its main branches: the anterior tibial artery, the posterior tibial artery, and the peroneal artery. Each vessel supplies different compartments of the lower leg.
The anterior tibial artery runs down the front of the leg, passing through an opening in the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula. It supplies the muscles in the anterior compartment. At the front of the ankle, it becomes the dorsalis pedis artery on the top of the foot.
The posterior tibial artery, often the larger branch, descends down the back of the leg. It supplies the calf muscles and other structures in the posterior compartment. This artery continues behind the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) before branching into the plantar arteries that supply the sole of the foot.
The peroneal artery (fibular artery) branches from the posterior tibial artery or a common tibioperoneal trunk. It runs down the lateral aspect of the leg, supplying muscles in the lateral compartment. This artery also provides blood to the ankle and heel.
Locating Pulses and Understanding Blood Flow
Knowing the location of these main arteries allows for assessing blood circulation by palpating their pulses. The femoral pulse is located in the groin, midway between the pubic bone and the hip bone (anterior superior iliac spine), by applying firm pressure. This pulse is often strong due to the artery’s size and surface proximity.
The popliteal pulse is more challenging to find, requiring a slightly bent knee to relax muscles. It is located deep within the popliteal fossa behind the knee and requires firm pressure to detect. Feeling this pulse confirms blood flow past the knee joint.
The posterior tibial pulse is found just behind and slightly below the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone). Applying moderate pressure in this area usually reveals the pulsation. On the top of the foot, the dorsalis pedis pulse is felt between the first and second toes, lateral to the big toe’s tendon. Checking these pulse points provides information about blood flow to the lower extremities.