Medial genicular artery

Medial Genicular Artery

The medial genicular artery is a branch of the popliteal artery.

The medial genicular artery is a 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 medial genicular artery arises from the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa, a space located at the back of the knee. It travels medially (towards the midline of the body) and superiorly (towards the head), passing through the adductor hiatus to reach the medial side of the knee joint.

Function

The medial genicular artery provides blood supply to the medial and anterior parts of the knee joint. It also gives off branches to the gastrocnemius muscle and the vastus medialis muscle, two muscles that are involved in knee movement.

Clinical significance

Damage to the medial genicular artery can lead to ischemia (lack of blood supply) in the knee joint, which can cause pain and potentially lead to tissue death. This artery may also be involved in certain surgical procedures involving the knee.

See also

• Popliteal artery
• Genicular arteries
• Knee joint