Main arteries of the lower limb – Anatomy Atlas

Table of Contents

Overview

Arteries of the lower limb The main artery supplying the hip and thigh region is the femoral artery. Soon after its origin, the femoral artery gives off the deep femoral artery to supply the deep structures of the thigh. The femoral artery continues into the popliteal fossa to become the popliteal artery, which supplies the knee region. After a short course, the popliteal artery terminates as the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, which go on to supply the anterior and posterolateral regions of the leg, respectively.

Keypoints

Key points about the main arteries of the lower limb
Main arteries of the lower limb	Femoral artery, deep femoral artery, obturator artery, popliteal artery, anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery, fibular artery, dorsalis pedis artery, tarsal arteries, plantar arteries
Lower limb region supplied by each artery	Hip and thigh: Femoral artery, deep femoral artery, obturator artery, gluteal arteries Knee region: Popliteal artery, genicular arteries Leg: Anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery, fibular artery, malleolar arteries Foot: Dorsalis pedis artery, tarsal arteries, plantar arteries