Femoral artery

Course

Continuation of the external iliac below the inguinal ligament (mid-inguinal point), descends the femoral triangle between the femoral vein (medial) and nerve (lateral), gives the profunda femoris, and enters the adductor canal to become popliteal at the hiatus.

Branches

Profunda femoris (the thigh's main supply), superficial epigastric, circumflex iliac, and the descending genicular branches.

Clinical relevance

The femoral pulse — palpated at the mid-inguinal point — is a key central pulse and a common access site for catheter procedures. Its pseudoaneurysm complicates femoral lines; the triangle's NAVY order (nerve, artery, vein) is anatomy's most-drilled mnemonic.

Related conditions

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Peripheral artery disease