Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is a significant artery in the human body, particularly in the context of the circulatory system and lower limb anatomy. This artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to various parts of the thigh, making it an essential topic of study in anatomy and medicine.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The lateral circumflex femoral artery is a major artery that arises from the deep femoral artery and is known for its three branches: the ascending, transverse, and descending branches. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is particularly noteworthy due to its course and the areas it supplies.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The descending branch emerges from the lateral circumflex femoral artery and travels down the thigh. It descends along the anterior and lateral aspects of the thigh, supplying blood to the muscles and other tissues in this region. This artery is accompanied by a similarly named vein, the vein of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which aids in venous return from the same areas.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the anterior and lateral parts of the thigh. This includes supplying blood to several important muscles, such as part of the quadriceps femoris muscle, which plays a crucial role in knee extension and stability.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Knowledge of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is vital in various medical and surgical procedures. It is particularly important in surgeries involving the thigh, where accurate knowledge of the vascular anatomy can help in avoiding inadvertent damage to the artery. Additionally, this artery can be involved in certain vascular diseases or conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease, where its patency and flow can be critically affected.

See Also[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD