Femoral artery

The femoral artery is one of the main arteries that is responsible for providing oxygenated blood to the tissues of the leg . This artery passes through the deep tissues of the femoral region of the leg parallel to the femur . The common femoral artery is the largest artery found in the femoral region of the body. It begins as a continuation of the external iliac artery at the inguinal ligament which functions as a dividing line between the pelvis and the leg . From the inguinal ligament , Continues its way through the medial side of the head and neck of the femur below and laterally before dividing into the artery femoral deep and shallow .

Function

One of its functions is to be used frequently as an access artery for the catheters necessary to carry out some medical studies. Through it, guides and catheters can be directed to any part of the arterial system for interventional or diagnostic purposes , including the heart, brain , kidneys, and upper and lower limbs. It is responsible for providing blood to the thighs and oxygen . It also provides blood to the knee and foot.

Location

It is located in the leg or thigh and begins in the femoral triangle , behind the inguinal ligament and near the head of the femur . It is a continuation of the external iliac , which becomes femoral when it crosses the inguinal ligament . It runs from the anterior part of the thigh along the femur , until it reaches the popliteal artery . It is distributed throughout the lower portion of the abdominal wall , upper portion of the thigh , genitals , knee and leg.. Its branches are the superficial epigastric, external pudendal, and deep femoral .

Superficial femoral artery

The superficial femoral artery is a continuation of the common femoral artery at the point where the deep femoral artery branches . It is the main artery in the lower limb and is therefore essential in the supply of oxygenated blood to the leg . Its most important branch is the descending geniculate branch . It ends up becoming a continuation of the popliteal artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the entire lower limb of the human body.

Deep femoral artery

The deep femoral artery originates from the femoral artery and runs deep through the rest of the artery posteriorly . It always remains within the thigh and ends in the lower third of the thigh with a smaller branch that passes through the adductor magnus until it reaches the hamstring muscles . It is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood to the different muscles of the thigh and the upper part of the leg in general ; while a vein will remove the deoxygenated blood from the thigh. The deep femoral artery branches from thecommon femoral artery at a point known as the femoral triangle . After leaving the femoral triangle, it develops other branches to supply blood to the back of the thigh.

Branches

The branches of the femoral artery are as follows:

• Lateral circumflex femoral artery , external circumflex, or anterior circumflex artery.
• Medial circumflex femoral artery , internal circumflex, or posterior circumflex artery
• Quadriceps artery .
• Perforating arteries .
• Superficial epigastric or subcutaneous abdominal artery .
• Superficial external pudendal artery or superior external pudendal.
• Deep external pudendal artery or inferior external pudendal.
• Descending artery of the knee or great anastomotic .
• Accessory arteries of the quadriceps.
• Deep femoral artery .
• Superficial circumflex iliac artery

Obstructed femoral artery

The obstruction of the femoral artery happens because the artery suffers a blockage due to atherosclerosis or other reasons. When this type of blockage occurs, a series of cramps arise in the legs or the affected leg, pain, discoloration of the skin, the pulse feels very weak . Patients generally suffer from slow wound healing and in men, impotence can even be suffered . Early diagnosis is essential to save the blood supply to the thigh. When this condition occurs, it is referred to as a peripheral arterial disease.. Appropriate treatment is surgery to relieve the obstruction and relieve symptoms. It is also customary to perform an angioplasty . The practice exercises daily, taking care of the food , reduce cholesterol levels , avoid snuff , are some of the things you can do to prevent and reduce symptoms.