Arteries of the lower limb

Question 1

What are the arteries of the thigh and gluteal region?

Answer 1

Femoral artery
Obturator artery
Superior gluteal artery
Inferior gluteal artery

Question 2

Describe the course of the femoral artery?

Answer 2

Main artery of the lower limb, continuation of the iliac artery. Becomes the femoral artery when it crosses under the inguinal ligament and enters the femoral triangle

After exiting femoral triagnle it runs down the anterior surface of the thigh via the adductor canal. Moves through adductor hiatus and becomes popliteal artery

Question 3

Describe the course of the obturator artery?

Answer 3

arises from the internal iliac in the pelvic region, descends via the obturator canal and enters the medial thigh

Question 4

Describe the course of the gluteal arteries

Answer 4

Arise from internal iliac and enter the gluteal region via the greater sciatic foramen.

Superior gluteal arteyr leaves via the foramen above the piriformis and the inferior leaves below the msucle. Infeior gluteal artery also contributes to the vasculature of the lower thigh

Question 5

What are the major arteries of the lower leg

Answer 5

Popliteal
posterior tibial
fibular artery

Question 6

Describe the course of the popliteal artery?

Answer 6

Descends down the posterior thigh giving rise to the genicular branches that supply the knee joint. Moves through popliteal fossa and exits between gastrocnemius and popliteus muscle. Divides into anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery andfibular artery

Question 7

Describe the course of the posterior tibial artery

Answer 7

Continues inferiorly along the surface of the deep posterior leg muscles (such as tibialis posterior). Enters the sole of the foot via the tarsal tunnel

Question 8

Describe the course of the fibular artery?

Answer 8

Descends posteriorly to the fibula within the posterior compartment of the leg. It gives rise to the perforating branches

Question 9

What are the arteries of the foot?

Answer 9

Dorsalis pedis

Posterior tibial

Question 10

Describe the course of the dorsalis pedis artery?

Answer 10

Begins in the anterior tibial artery enters the foot. Forms deep plantar arch.