Question

On a CTA exam of lower extremity vasculature to assess atherosclerosis, coverage should extend from the ________ to the ________?

1) abdominal aorta, ankles
2) abdominal aorta, iliac arteries
3) iliac arteries, femoral arteries
4) iliac arteries, popliteal arteries

Answer 1

On a CTA exam of lower extremity vasculature to assess atherosclerosis, coverage should extend from the 4) iliac arteries, to the popliteal arteries. The correct answer is option 4) iliac arteries, popliteal arteries.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing atherosclerosis in the lower extremity vasculature, the coverage should extend from the iliac arteries to the popliteal arteries. The iliac arteries are the main branches of the abdominal aorta that provide blood supply to the pelvic region and ultimately to the lower limbs. The external iliac artery, which is a continuation of the common iliac artery, exits the body cavity and enters the femoral region of the lower leg.

As it passes through the body wall, the external iliac artery is renamed the femoral artery. It then gives rise to several smaller branches, including the deep femoral artery and the genicular artery. As the femoral artery passes posterior to the knee near the popliteal fossa, it becomes the popliteal artery, which further branches into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries. These arteries supply blood to different regions of the lower limb. Therefore the correct answer is option 4) iliac arteries, popliteal arteries.