Vessel
Deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery
Deep arterial network supplying much of the thigh
High-yield
Perforating branches are important for the hamstrings. The medial circumflex femoral artery usually provides the dominant adult femoral-head supply, but it can arise directly from the femoral artery instead of the profunda.
Overview
The profunda femoris leaves the femoral artery high in the thigh and runs deep to the adductor region. Its perforating branches reach the posterior thigh, while circumflex branches usually contribute to the hip and surrounding muscles.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually a large posterolateral branch of the femoral artery in the proximal thigh
- Course
- Turns into the deep thigh and descends behind adductor longus, giving perforators through the adductor tissues toward the posterior compartment
- Branches
- Perforating and muscular branches; usually medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, although either circumflex vessel can arise elsewhere
- Supplies
- Major supply to thigh muscles across the compartments and contributions to the proximal femur and hip through its branching network
Clinical correlation
Retinacular vessels running along the femoral neck can be damaged by a neck fracture or hip surgery, threatening femoral-head perfusion. Medial circumflex branches are especially important, but other arterial contributions and anastomoses vary.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery originate?
Usually a large posterolateral branch of the femoral artery in the proximal thigh.
What does the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery supply?
Major supply to thigh muscles across the compartments and contributions to the proximal femur and hip through its branching network.
What are the branches of the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery?
Perforating and muscular branches; usually medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, although either circumflex vessel can arise elsewhere.
What is the course of the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery?
Turns into the deep thigh and descends behind adductor longus, giving perforators through the adductor tissues toward the posterior compartment.