The superficial circumflex iliac artery is the smallest cutaneous branch of the femoral artery. It contributes to the arterial supply of the anterolateral abdominal wall and groin.
Summary
- origin: femoral artery
- course: pierces the fascia lata lateral to the saphenous opening and runs laterally within superficial fascia and parallel to the inguinal ligament to the anterior superior iliac spine
- termination: branches anastomose with the deep circumflex iliac, superior gluteal and lateral circumflex femoral arteries
- supply: branches supply the superficial subinguinal lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue and skin over the inferior part of the anterolateral abdominal wall and groin