AnatomyLower limbOverview

Main arteries of the lower limb: want to learn more about it?

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Main arteries of the lower limb

Learning objectives

In this study unit you will learn how to:

Name the major arteries of the lower limb.
Discover the region supplied by each artery.

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The arteries of the lower limb carry oxygenated blood from the aorta to supply all the structures of your lower limbs. Starting from the heart, blood flows through the descending aorta then into the iliac arteries and their branches. Stemming from the external iliac artery is the femoral artery, the most important arterial blood vessel of the lower limb. As it passes along the inner thigh, the femoral artery is close to the surface and its pulsations can be felt through the skin. Find out more about these arteries, their course and the areas they supply in the video below.

If you want to take a step back and master the basic structure and functions of arteries before embarking on the more complex topics, watch the video below.

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Browse atlas

Lower limb arteries: 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.

Take a closer look at the individual arteries of the lower limb by browsing through the gallery below.

Summary

Key points
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

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