Acetabular branch of medial circumflex femoral artery

Branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery

The acetabular branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery is a small artery that supplies blood to the acetabulum, which is part of the hip joint.

Anatomy

The acetabular branch arises from the medial circumflex femoral artery, which is a branch of the deep artery of the thigh (also known as the profunda femoris artery). The medial circumflex femoral artery is responsible for supplying blood to the head and neck of the femur, as well as the surrounding muscles and tissues.

The acetabular branch specifically supplies the acetabulum, which is the concave surface of the pelvis that articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint. This branch plays a crucial role in providing the necessary blood supply to the acetabular region, contributing to the health and function of the hip joint.

Function

The primary function of the acetabular branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the acetabulum. This blood supply is essential for maintaining the health of the bone and cartilage in the hip joint, facilitating normal joint function and mobility.

Clinical significance

Injuries or conditions that affect the blood supply to the hip joint, including the acetabular branch, can lead to complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Understanding the vascular anatomy of the hip is important in surgical procedures, such as hip replacement or fracture repair, to minimize the risk of disrupting the blood supply.

Related pages

• Medial circumflex femoral artery
• Deep artery of the thigh
• Hip joint
• Avascular necrosis

Gallery

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  Diagram showing the circumflex femoral arteries, including the medial circumflex femoral artery.

Acetabular branch of medial circumflex femoral artery

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