Step-by-step explanation:
The main artery of the lower limb is the femoral artery. It is a continuation of the external iliac artery (terminal branch of the abdominal aorta). The external iliac becomes the femoral artery when it crosses under the inguinal ligament and enters the femoral triangle.
In the femoral triangle, the profunda femoris artery arises from the posterolateral aspect of the femoral artery. It travels posteriorly and distally, giving off three main branches:
Perforating branches – Consists of three or four arteries that perforate the adductor magnus, contributing to the supply of the muscles in the medial and posterior thigh.
Lateral femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the anterior, lateral side of the femur, supplying some of the muscles on the lateral aspect of the thigh.
Medial femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the posterior side of the femur, supplying its neck and head. In a fracture of the femoral neck this artery can easily be damaged, and avascular necrosis of the femur head can occur.
After exiting the femoral triangle, the femoral artery continues down the anterior aspect of the thigh, through a tunnel known as the adductor canal. During its descent, the artery supplies the anterior thigh muscles.
The adductor canal ends at an opening in the adductor magnus, called the adductor hiatus. The femoral artery moves through this opening, and enters the posterior compartment of the thigh, proximal to the knee. The femoral artery is now known as the popliteal artery.