Medial femoral circumflex artery

Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery

The medial femoral circumflex artery and its branches. (Image from Gray's Anatomy)

The Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery (MFCA) is a significant artery in the human body, primarily responsible for supplying blood to the hip joint and the head of the femur. It is a branch of the deep artery of the thigh, which itself is a branch of the femoral artery.

Anatomy

The MFCA typically arises from the posteromedial aspect of the deep artery of the thigh. However, its origin can vary, and it may occasionally arise directly from the femoral artery. After its origin, the MFCA courses posteriorly between the psoas major muscle and the iliacus muscle, then turns medially to pass between the obturator externus and the adductor brevis.

Branches and Supply

The MFCA gives off several branches, including the acetabular branch, transverse branch, and ascending branch. These branches supply the hip joint, the head and neck of the femur, and the trochanteric fossa.

Clinical Significance

The MFCA is of particular clinical importance due to its role in supplying the head of the femur. Disruption of its blood flow can lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a serious condition that can result in significant morbidity.

See Also

• Femoral artery
• Deep artery of the thigh
• Avascular necrosis