Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery, Anterior View

Description

Seen from the front, the femoral artery descends in the femoral triangle and gives rise to the profunda femoris artery, from which the lateral femoral circumflex artery originates before it quickly divides into ascending, transverse, and descending branches. The ascending branch tracks superolaterally toward the anterior superior iliac spine and tensor fasciae latae, while the transverse branch runs laterally across the proximal thigh deep to sartorius and rectus femoris. Inferiorly, the descending branch courses distally along the lateral thigh in the interval between rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, accompanying venae comitantes and approaching the lateral aspect of the knee. Superficial venous return is suggested by the great saphenous vein medially, contrasted with deeper paired veins alongside the arterial trunks. For anterior approaches to the hip and proximal femur, this branching pattern is a practical map of where bleeding happens. Injury to the ascending branch can complicate exposure around the anterior capsule and greater trochanteric region, and the transverse branch participates in the trochanteric and cruciate anastomoses that surgeons rely on when proximal inflow is compromised. The descending branch contributes to the genicular arterial network and often serves as a pedicle for anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap planning, where perforator location and caliber dictate flap design. A common site of iatrogenic or traumatic vessel injury. Use this artwork in gross anatomy teaching of the femoral triangle and profunda femoris branches, in orthopedic and plastic surgery atlases discussing anterior hip exposure or ALT flap harvest, and in interventional radiology or trauma education illustrating targets for embolization in proximal thigh hemorrhage. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.