Lateral genicular artery

Lateral genicular artery

The femoral artery. (Lateral genicular labeled at bottom right.)

The Lateral genicular artery is a small branch of the popliteal artery that supplies blood to the knee joint. It is one of the five genicular arteries that contribute to the genicular anastomosis, a network of blood vessels around the knee.

Structure

The lateral genicular artery arises from the popliteal artery, just above the level of the knee joint. It travels laterally, crossing the biceps femoris and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle to reach the lateral side of the knee. Here, it divides into superficial and deep branches. The superficial branch supplies the skin and fascia over the lateral side of the knee, while the deep branch penetrates the joint capsule to supply the structures within the knee joint.

Function

The lateral genicular artery, along with the other genicular arteries, forms the genicular anastomosis. This network of blood vessels provides a collateral circulation, ensuring a continuous blood supply to the knee joint even when the main arteries are occluded or narrowed.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the genicular arteries is important in surgical procedures involving the knee, such as knee arthroscopy and knee replacement. Damage to these arteries can lead to ischemia and necrosis of the knee tissues.

See also

• Medial genicular artery
• Superior lateral genicular artery
• Inferior lateral genicular artery
• Superior medial genicular artery
• Inferior medial genicular artery