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Subchondral artery
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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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, it divides into its terminal branches - the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
Branches of the popliteal artery:
- The lateral superior genicular artery (a. superior lateralis genus) originates above the lateral condyle of the femur, encircles it, supplies the vastus lateralis 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 genicular artery (a. superior medialis genus) departs from the popliteal artery at the same level as the previous one, goes around the medial condyle of the femur: supplies blood to the medial vastus muscle of the thigh and the joint capsule.
- The middle genicular artery (a. media genus) passes to the posterior wall of the knee joint capsule, to its cruciate ligaments and menisci, supplies them with blood and to the synovial folds of the capsule.
- The lateral inferior genicular artery (a. inferior lateralis genus) departs from the popliteal artery 3-4 cm distal to the superior lateral genicular artery, encircles the lateral condyle of the tibia, supplies blood to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, the long plantaris muscle, and the joint capsule.
- The medial inferior genicular artery (a. inferior medialis genus) originates at the level of the previous one, goes around 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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