Popliteal artery

The Popliteal artery (pronounced: pop-lih-tee-ul ar-ter-ee) is a major blood vessel in the human body. It is an extension of the Femoral artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the knee region and parts of the lower leg.

Etymology

The term "Popliteal" is derived from the Latin word "poples", which means "knee". The artery is named so because of its location in the Popliteal fossa, the area behind the knee.

Anatomy

The Popliteal artery begins at the opening in the adductor magnus, a large muscle located in the thigh, where the Femoral artery ends. It travels down the leg, passing through the Popliteal fossa, and ends where it splits into the anterior and posterior Tibial arteries.

Branches

The Popliteal artery gives off several branches, including:

Genicular arteries: These arteries supply blood to the knee joint.
Sural arteries: These arteries supply blood to the calf muscles.
Anterior tibial artery: This artery supplies blood to the front part of the lower leg.
Posterior tibial artery: This artery supplies blood to the back part of the lower leg.

Clinical significance

The Popliteal artery is a common site for the development of Peripheral artery disease, a condition characterized by the narrowing of arteries and reduced blood flow to the limbs. It is also the artery most commonly involved in Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, a condition that can cause claudication, or pain in the leg while walking.

Related terms

Popliteal vein: This vein runs alongside the Popliteal artery and drains blood from the knee region and parts of the lower leg.
Popliteal fossa: This is the shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint. It is bordered by several muscles and contains the Popliteal artery and vein, among other structures.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Popliteal artery
Wikipedia's article - Popliteal artery

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Popliteal artery