Medial circumflex femoral artery: Difference between revisions

General Information
Latin	arteria circumflexa femoris medialis
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

Latest revision as of 02:40, 11 December 2024

Blood vessel

The medial circumflex femoral artery is a vital blood vessel in the human body that plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the hip joint and surrounding structures. It is one of the two circumflex femoral arteries, the other being the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The medial circumflex femoral artery typically arises from the profunda femoris artery, although it can occasionally branch directly from the femoral artery. It courses medially and posteriorly around the femur, passing between the pectineus and iliopsoas muscles.

Branches[edit]

The medial circumflex femoral artery gives off several important branches:

The acetabular branch supplies the acetabulum of the hip joint.
The ascending branch travels upwards to supply the adductor muscles and the hip joint.
The transverse branch runs laterally and contributes to the cruciate anastomosis of the thigh.

Supply[edit]

The artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the head and neck of the femur, which is crucial for the viability of the femoral head. This makes it an important vessel in the context of hip fractures and avascular necrosis.

Clinical significance[edit]

Damage or occlusion of the medial circumflex femoral artery can lead to serious complications, such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This is particularly relevant in the context of hip dislocations or fractures, where the blood supply to the femoral head may be compromised.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2015). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery ==
+{{Infobox artery
+| name = Medial circumflex femoral artery
+| Latin = arteria circumflexa femoris medialis
+| image = Circumflex femoral arteries.png
+| caption = The medial circumflex femoral artery is shown in the diagram.
+| branchfrom = [[Profunda femoris artery]]
+| branchto = [[Acetabular branch]], [[Ascending branch]], [[Transverse branch]]
+| supplies = [[Hip joint]], [[Thigh]]
+}}
-The medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) is a branch of the deep femoral artery, which is itself a branch of the femoral artery. It is an important blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the muscles and other structures in the thigh region.
+The '''medial circumflex femoral artery''' is a vital blood vessel in the human body that plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the [[hip joint]] and surrounding structures. It is one of the two circumflex femoral arteries, the other being the [[lateral circumflex femoral artery]].
-=== Anatomy ===
+==Anatomy==
+The medial circumflex femoral artery typically arises from the [[profunda femoris artery]], although it can occasionally branch directly from the [[femoral artery]]. It courses medially and posteriorly around the femur, passing between the [[pectineus]] and [[iliopsoas]] muscles.
-The MCFA arises from the deep femoral artery, also known as the profunda femoris artery, which is the largest branch of the femoral artery. It typically originates from the posterior aspect of the deep femoral artery, near its origin from the femoral artery.
+===Branches===
+The medial circumflex femoral artery gives off several important branches:
+* The '''acetabular branch''' supplies the acetabulum of the hip joint.
+* The '''ascending branch''' travels upwards to supply the [[adductor muscles]] and the [[hip joint]].
+* The '''transverse branch''' runs laterally and contributes to the [[cruciate anastomosis]] of the thigh.
-After its origin, the MCFA courses laterally and posteriorly, running along the medial aspect of the femur bone. It travels within the substance of the thigh muscles, namely the adductor muscles, which it supplies with blood.
+===Supply===
+The artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the head and neck of the [[femur]], which is crucial for the viability of the femoral head. This makes it an important vessel in the context of [[hip fractures]] and [[avascular necrosis]].
-As it courses along the medial aspect of the femur, the MCFA gives off several branches. These branches include the ascending branch, descending branch, and transverse branch.
+==Clinical significance==
+Damage or occlusion of the medial circumflex femoral artery can lead to serious complications, such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This is particularly relevant in the context of [[hip dislocations]] or fractures, where the blood supply to the femoral head may be compromised.
-The ascending branch of the MCFA runs superiorly, supplying blood to the hip joint and the muscles around it. It anastomoses with the lateral circumflex femoral artery, forming an important collateral circulation around the hip joint.
+==Also see==
+* [[Lateral circumflex femoral artery]]
+* [[Profunda femoris artery]]
+* [[Femoral artery]]
+* [[Hip joint]]
+* [[Avascular necrosis]]
-The descending branch of the MCFA travels inferiorly, supplying blood to the muscles of the thigh, including the quadriceps femoris muscle group. It also gives off branches to the knee joint and the surrounding structures.
+==References==
+* Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy''. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
+* Standring, S. (2015). ''Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice''. Elsevier Health Sciences.
-The transverse branch of the MCFA runs horizontally, crossing the posterior aspect of the femur. It supplies blood to the muscles in this region, including the hamstrings.
+{{Arteries of the lower limb}}
-=== Function ===
+[[Category:Arteries of the lower limb]]
-The medial circumflex femoral artery plays a crucial role in the blood supply to the thigh muscles and the hip joint. It provides oxygenated blood to these structures, allowing them to function optimally during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
-The MCFA also participates in the collateral circulation around the hip joint. In cases of occlusion or blockage of the main blood vessels supplying the hip joint, the MCFA can provide an alternative route for blood flow, ensuring the viability of the joint and surrounding structures.
-=== Clinical Significance ===
-The medial circumflex femoral artery is susceptible to injury or damage in certain clinical scenarios. Trauma, such as fractures or dislocations of the femur, can disrupt the blood flow through this artery, leading to compromised blood supply to the thigh muscles and the hip joint.
-In addition, atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arteries, can affect the MCFA. The narrowing or blockage of this artery can result in reduced blood flow, leading to symptoms such as thigh pain, muscle weakness, and impaired mobility.
-Surgical procedures involving the hip joint, such as hip replacement surgery, may also involve manipulation or ligation of the MCFA. Surgeons must be cautious during these procedures to preserve the blood supply to the surrounding structures.
-=== Conclusion ===
-The medial circumflex femoral artery is an important blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the muscles and structures in the thigh region. Its branches provide blood to the hip joint, thigh muscles, and surrounding structures. Understanding the anatomy and function of the MCFA is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in the management of thigh and hip-related conditions.<br>{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}