The femoral artery is a major blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the lower extremities. Originating in the pelvic region, it travels through the thigh. Its continuous blood supply supports the leg’s function and health.
From Pelvis to Upper Thigh
The femoral artery begins as a continuation of the external iliac artery in the pelvis. It transitions into the femoral artery after passing beneath the inguinal ligament, a band of tissue in the groin. This transition occurs near the midpoint of the inguinal ligament. The initial segment, known as the common femoral artery, is about 4 centimeters long and lies in front of the femoral head.
Upon entering the thigh, the femoral artery is located within the femoral triangle. Here, the femoral artery, femoral vein, and femoral nerve are closely associated. From inside to outside, the arrangement is the femoral vein, then the common femoral artery, and finally the femoral nerve. The artery and vein are encased within the femoral sheath, while the nerve lies outside.
Several branches emerge from the common femoral artery. These include the superficial circumflex iliac artery, the superficial epigastric artery, and the superficial external pudendal artery. A primary branch, the deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery), originates about 4 centimeters below the inguinal ligament. This vessel further branches into the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, supplying blood to the hip joint and thigh muscles.
Deep Path Through the Thigh
As the femoral artery extends beyond the femoral triangle, it becomes known as the superficial femoral artery. It enters a muscular tunnel called the adductor canal, also referred to as Hunter’s canal. While traversing this canal, the artery gives off smaller muscular branches to the surrounding thigh muscles.
The superficial femoral artery then reaches an opening in the adductor magnus muscle, a large muscle on the inner thigh, known as the adductor hiatus. Passing through this hiatus, the artery changes its name once more, becoming the popliteal artery. This transformation occurs at the back of the knee, where the popliteal artery supplies blood to the lower leg and foot. A branch, the descending genicular artery, arises from the femoral artery just before it enters the adductor canal, providing blood to parts of the knee joint.
Practical Importance of its Course
Understanding the path of the femoral artery holds practical importance in various medical and emergency scenarios. Its superficial location in the groin makes it an accessible site for checking a pulse, useful in emergencies to assess circulation. This accessibility also makes the femoral artery a common site for medical procedures requiring arterial access.
Healthcare professionals frequently use the femoral artery for catheterization procedures, such as angiography or cardiac interventions. A catheter can be inserted into the artery and guided through the vascular system to reach the heart or other major blood vessels, allowing for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic interventions like angioplasty or stent placement. The course of the common femoral artery over the femoral head provides a firm surface, beneficial for applying manual pressure to stop bleeding after such procedures.
The femoral artery’s relatively exposed position in certain areas also means it can be vulnerable to injury in trauma. Knowledge of its precise location is thus important for effective bleeding control in emergency settings. Its course is also relevant in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), where blockages or narrowing of the artery can impair blood flow to the legs and feet. Medical imaging and interventions rely on a detailed understanding of the femoral artery’s anatomy to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes.