Head of femur

Head of Femur

The head of the femur is the highest part of the thigh bone (femur). It is supported by the neck of the femur and articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis to form the hip joint. The head of the femur is crucial for the movement and stability of the hip joint.

Anatomy

The head of the femur is spherical in shape and covered with articular cartilage, which helps in smooth movement within the acetabulum. The central part of the head contains a small depression called the fovea capitis femoris, which serves as the attachment point for the ligamentum teres.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the head of the femur is primarily provided by the medial circumflex femoral artery and the lateral circumflex femoral artery. These arteries are branches of the deep femoral artery. The artery of the ligamentum teres also contributes to the blood supply, although to a lesser extent.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the head of the femur can lead to significant medical conditions such as avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the bone is compromised, leading to bone death. Fractures of the femoral head are also serious injuries that often require surgical intervention.

Related Structures

• Neck of the femur
• Greater trochanter
• Lesser trochanter
• Hip joint
• Acetabulum

See Also

• Femur
• Pelvis
• Hip replacement
• Orthopedic surgery