Arteria circumflexa femoris

Arteria Circumflexa Femoris is a group of arteries that supply blood to the femur and surrounding structures. There are two main branches: the medial circumflex femoral artery and the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

Anatomy

The Arteria Circumflexa Femoris originates from the deep femoral artery, also known as the profunda femoris artery. The medial and lateral branches wrap around the femur, providing blood supply to the hip joint and the upper part of the femur.

Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery

The medial circumflex femoral artery is the smaller of the two branches. It typically arises from the medial and posterior aspect of the deep femoral artery. It courses medially and posteriorly to supply the head and neck of the femur, the hip joint, and the adductor muscles of the thigh.

Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery

The lateral circumflex femoral artery is usually larger and arises from the lateral side of the deep femoral artery. It courses laterally and then divides into ascending, transverse, and descending branches. These branches supply the greater trochanter and the upper part of the femur, the hip joint, and the quadriceps femoris muscle.

Clinical Significance

The Arteria Circumflexa Femoris is crucial for the blood supply to the hip joint and the femur. Disruption of this blood supply, such as in a hip fracture or hip dislocation, can lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

See Also

• Femoral artery
• Deep femoral artery
• Hip joint
• Femur