Anatomy – Arteries of the legs.

Lower Extremity Arteries

External Iliac Artery

Arises from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery and continues into the leg.

Common Femoral Artery

Once the external iliac artery passes the inguinal ligament it becomes the common femoral artery. It is approximately 4cm long and bifurcates into the superficial femoral artery and the deep femoral artery.

Deep Femoral Artery (Profunda Femoris Artery)

Arises from the lateral side of the common femoral artery and courses down the thigh in closer proximity to the femur than the superficial femoral artery.

Superficial Femoral Artery

Arises from the common femoral artery and courses down the thigh. Above the knee it will pass through the adductor magnus and enter the popliteal space where it becomes the popliteal artery.

Popliteal Artery

A continuation of the superficial femoral artery. It branches into the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk.

Anterior Tibial Artery

Arises from the popliteal artery and enters the anterior compartment of the leg. It continues downward and along the dorsum of the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery.

Tibioperoneal Trunk

Bifurcates into the Peroneal Artery and Posterior Tibial Artery.

Posterior Tibial Artery

Courses through the posterior compartment of the leg. It passes behind the medial malleolous and enters the foot.

Peroneal Artery

Courses deep in the posterior compartment of the leg.

Last Modified: 10/15/2010
Created: 08/28/2010