Arteries of Lower Limbs

Originating from the abdominal aorta, the right and left common iliac arteries and their branches supply the pelvis and lower limbs.

At the sacroiliac joints, each common iliac artery divides into the internal and external iliac arteries.

The internal iliac arteries and their numerous branches primarily supply blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and perineum. The external iliac arteries and their branches supply to the anterior abdominal wall and limbs.

Descending in each limb, the external iliac artery becomes the femoral artery. Its branches, including the deep artery of the thigh, are the main supplying vessels to the proximal thigh muscles.

The femoral artery is also clinically significant for cardiac catheterization — a common procedure in coronary angiography or bypass surgery.

As the femoral artery passes through the adductor hiatus, it becomes the popliteal artery, supplying to the knee joint, the distal thigh muscles, and the tibia and fibula.

The popliteal artery divides into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, supplying the anterior and posterior parts of the leg, foot, and toes.