Popliteal artery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Artery: Popliteal artery | |
|---|---|
| Lymph glands of popliteal fossa. | |
| The arteries of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions. (Popliteal visible at bottom center.) | |
| Latin | arteria poplitea |
| Gray's | subject #159 632 |
| Source | femoral artery |
| Branches | peroneal artery anterior tibial artery posterior tibial artery |
| Vein | popliteal vein |
| MeSH | A07.231.114.681 |
In human anatomy, the popliteal artery is defined as the extension of the femoral artery after passing through the adductor canal and adductor hiatus above the knee. It gives-off a branch to the lateral compartment of the leg, known as the fibular (peroneal) artery and then bifurcates into the anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery.
The popliteal artery, through numerous smaller branches, supplies blood to the knee joint and muscles in the thigh and calf. It is accompanied, along its length, by the popliteal vein.
Embryologically, the popliteal artery is derived from the fetal sciatic artery, which is distinct from the femoral artery.
Its pulse can be palpated behind the knee, but is generally more challenging to find than other arteries of the leg.
[edit] Additional images
The popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries. |
[edit] See also
[edit] External link
- SUNY Figs 12:04-10 - "Arteries of the lower extremity shown in association with major landmarks."
- Dictionary at eMedicine Popliteal+artery
The popliteal actually first bifurcates into the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial/peroneal trunk. This trunk than bifurcates into the posterior tibial and peroneal vessels.
