The deep femoral artery also known as the deep artery of the thigh, or profunda femoris artery, is a large branch of the femoral artery. It travels more deeply ("profoundly") than the rest of the femoral artery. It gives rise to the lateral circumflex femoral artery and medial circumflex femoral artery, and the perforating arteries, terminating within the thigh.
Structure
Origin
The deep femoral artery branches off the posterolateral side of the femoral artery soon after its origin.
Course
It travels down the thigh closer to the femur than the femoral artery. It runs between the pectineus muscle and the adductor longus muscle. It runs on the posterior side of adductor longus muscle.
Branches
The deep femoral artery gives off the following branches:
- Lateral circumflex femoral artery.
Distribution
The deep femoral artery is the main supply of oxygenated blood to the thigh.