Arteries of the lower limb

Arteries of the Lower Limb

The arteries of the lower limb are a complex network of blood vessels that supply the pelvis, gluteal region, thigh, leg, and foot. They are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the tissues of the lower limb and returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Overview

The main artery of the lower limb is the femoral artery, which begins at the inguinal ligament and ends at the adductor hiatus in the thigh. It gives off several branches, including the deep femoral artery and the popliteal artery. The popliteal artery further divides into the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery, which supply the leg and foot.

Arteries of the Pelvis and Gluteal Region

The internal iliac artery is the main artery supplying the pelvis and gluteal region. It divides into the anterior division and the posterior division, each of which gives off several branches. The superior gluteal artery and the inferior gluteal artery are among the most important branches of the internal iliac artery.

Arteries of the Thigh

The femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh. It gives off several branches, including the profunda femoris artery, which supplies the deep muscles of the thigh, and the superficial femoral artery, which supplies the skin and superficial muscles of the thigh.

Arteries of the Leg and Foot

The popliteal artery divides into the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery at the level of the knee. The anterior tibial artery supplies the anterior compartment of the leg and continues into the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery. The posterior tibial artery supplies the posterior compartment of the leg and divides into the medial plantar artery and the lateral plantar artery in the foot.

See Also

• Circulatory system
• Blood vessels
• Arteries of the upper limb

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