Lateral femoral circumflex artery

Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery

The lateral femoral circumflex artery and its branches.

The Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery (LFCA) is a significant artery located in the upper leg. It is a branch of the Femoral Artery, which is the main artery supplying blood to the lower limb.

Anatomy

The LFCA typically branches off the femoral artery deep within the Anterior Thigh. It then divides into three main branches: the ascending, transverse, and descending branches. Each of these branches has a unique course and distribution.

Ascending Branch

The ascending branch of the LFCA courses upwards to supply the Hip Joint and the Gluteal Muscles. It also provides blood supply to the Greater Trochanter of the Femur.

Transverse Branch

The transverse branch of the LFCA runs laterally across the thigh, supplying the Vastus Lateralis and Rectus Femoris muscles.

Descending Branch

The descending branch of the LFCA travels downwards along the line of the femur, supplying the Vastus Intermedius and Vastus Medialis muscles.

Clinical Significance

The LFCA is of particular importance in surgical procedures involving the hip and thigh. Its branches are often used as grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures. Knowledge of its anatomy is also crucial in the management of Femoral Fractures and Hip Arthroplasty.

See Also

• Femoral Artery
• Deep Femoral Artery
• Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery

References

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