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Popliteal artery
Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The popliteal artery (a. Poplitea) is a continuation of the femoral artery. At the level of the lower edge of the popliteal muscle is divided into its terminal branches - the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
The branches of the popliteal artery:
- The lateral superior knee artery (a. Superior lateralis genus) extends above the lateral condyle of the femur, envelops it, blood supply to the lateral broad and biceps femoris muscles; anastomoses with other arteries, participating in the formation of the knee joint network, which feeds the capsule of the knee joint.
- The medial superior knee artery (a superior medialis genus) departs from the popliteal artery at the same level as the previous one, and encircles the medial condyle of the femur: it supplies the medial broad thigh muscle and the joint capsule.
- The middle knee artery (a. Media genus) passes to the posterior wall of the capsule of the knee joint, to its cruciform ligaments and menisci, and supplies them with the synovial folds of the capsule.
- The lateral lower knee artery (a. Inferior lateralis genus) departs from the popliteal artery 3-4 cm distally to the upper lateral knee artery, rounds the lateral condyle of the tibia, supplies the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, the long plantar muscle and the capsule of the joint.
- The medial lower knee artery (a.inferior medialis genus) originates at the level of the previous one, envelops the medial condyle of the tibia, supplies the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and also participates in the formation of the knee joint network.
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