Anatomical Structure of the Arteries in the Upper Legs

Description

Arterial inflow to the male pelvis and thigh is shown descending from the abdominal aorta into the common iliac arteries, then dividing into internal and external iliac vessels at the pelvic brim. Distal to the inguinal ligament, the external iliac continues as the femoral artery in the femoral triangle, giving off the profunda femoris (deep artery of the thigh) and its medial and lateral circumflex femoral branches that wrap posteriorly around the proximal femur. Superficial and deep venous channels track alongside the arteries, with paired venae comitantes accompanying the femoral system and larger superficial pathways positioned more anterior and medial in the thigh. Small-caliber branches and arterioles radiate distally through the thigh toward the knee. Clear orientation. Clinically, this arrangement matters because the femoral pulse is palpated just inferior to the inguinal ligament and medial to the anterior superior iliac spine, the same corridor used for common femoral arterial access during angiography and endovascular intervention. The profunda femoris and circumflex femoral arteries define the principal collateral routes when atherosclerotic disease narrows the superficial femoral artery, and they are at risk during femoral neck fracture fixation or hip arthroplasty. Venous pairing in the thigh also frames the relationship between arterial puncture and adjacent venous injury, a real complication when access is too medial. Use this artwork in gross anatomy labs to teach iliac to femoral continuity, in vascular surgery and interventional radiology teaching files to orient groin access landmarks, and in textbooks discussing peripheral arterial disease, femoral hernia anatomy, or postoperative hemorrhage around the hip. It also supports patient-facing diagrams for femoral catheterization or lower-limb revascularization counseling. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.