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Arteries of the lower extremity

Dr Omar Bashir et al.

The lower limbs are supplied by the vessels arising from the external iliac arteries.

Common femoral artery (CFA) and the superficial femoral artery (SFA)

The CFA is the direct continuation of the external iliac artery. It begins at the level of the inguinal ligament. It terminates as it gives off the profunda femurs artery and continues as the superficial femoral artery.

Popliteal artery

The popliteal artery is the direct continuation of the SFA in the adductor canal. The popliteal artery terminates into the anterior tibial artery and the tibio-peroneal trunk. The anterior tibial artery passes through the interosseous membrane to the each the anterior compartment of the leg. It continues to the dorsum of the foot as the dorsal is pedis artery. The tibioperoneal trunk divides into the posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. The posterior tibial artery passes downwards and behind the medial malleolus. It divides into medial and lateral plantar arteries.

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