Lateral inferior genicular artery

Lateral Inferior Genicular Artery

Lateral inferior genicular artery is a branch of the popliteal artery.

The Lateral Inferior Genicular Artery is a small branch of the popliteal artery that supplies blood to the knee joint. It is one of the three genicular arteries, the others being the superior lateral genicular artery and the superior medial genicular artery.

Anatomy

The lateral inferior genicular artery arises from the popliteal artery, just above the level of the knee joint. It travels laterally around the knee, passing under the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and over the plantaris muscle. It then descends to the front of the knee, where it anastomoses with the anterior lateral genicular artery.

Function

The primary function of the lateral inferior genicular artery is to supply blood to the lateral aspect of the knee joint. It also provides blood to the surrounding muscles and skin.

Clinical significance

Damage to the lateral inferior genicular artery can lead to ischemia of the knee joint, which can cause pain and potentially lead to necrosis of the joint tissues. This artery may also be involved in certain surgical procedures involving the knee.

See also

• Popliteal artery
• Genicular arteries
• Knee joint