Final answer:
The femoral vessels pass through the adductor canal to reach the popliteal fossa, where the femoral artery is renamed the popliteal artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The femoral vessels, which include the femoral artery and vein, pass through the adductor canal (also known as Hunter's canal or subsartorial canal) to reach the popliteal fossa. This passage marks the transition of the femoral artery into the popliteal artery as it travels posterior to the knee joint. The femoral artery is the continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes through the body cavity and, upon entering the thigh, gives off several branches including the lateral deep femoral artery and the genicular artery that provide blood to the muscles and regions around the knee. As the femoral vessels pass posteriorly to the knee and enter the popliteal fossa, the artery becomes known as the popliteal artery.