Lateral circumflex femoral (descending branch)

Anatomy

Course
One of the branches of the lateral circumflex artery. It branches from the main lateral circumflex after it passes deep to the sartorius and rectus femoris muscles. It descends deep to the rectus femoris along the thigh, piercing the vastus lateralis muscle. At the knee it connects with a branch of the superior lateral genicular artery.

Supply

Supplies the muscles which it passes close to or within, such as the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles.

Clinical

The lateral circumflex artery and its branches are clinically relevant as it forms part of the cruciate anastomosis. Should a blockage arise between the internal iliac artery and the femoral artery, blood can reach the knee and lower leg via the cruciate anastomosis.

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