The femoral artery is the main blood vessel that brings oxygen-rich blood to the lower part of the body. It begins just below the groin crease in the upper thigh and travels down the front-inner thigh toward the knee.
Anatomy-wise, this vessel is a direct continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes beneath the inguinal ligament and enters the femoral triangle. In that space the femoral artery lies inside a femoral sheath next to the femoral vein, making the pulse relatively easy to feel.
Knowing this location helps people follow clinical instructions, prepare for imaging or procedures, and spot signs that warrant care. The artery supplies tissues essential for walking and healing, so poor flow can harm mobility and wound repair.
This article will show simple surface landmarks and safe steps to find the pulse, explain how clinicians trace the course toward the knee, and link location knowledge to practical risk reduction like controlling blood pressure, staying active, eating well, managing weight and diabetes, and avoiding tobacco.
Key Takeaways
- The femoral artery starts under the groin crease and runs down the upper thigh toward the knee.
- It continues from the external iliac vessel after crossing under the inguinal ligament into the femoral triangle.
- The artery sits superficially in the groin, so clinicians often palpate its pulse for quick assessment.
- Good vascular health—exercise, diet, weight and diabetes control—supports proper blood flow to the leg.
- Understanding surface landmarks helps patients and students follow medical directions and prepare for tests or procedures.
Where is federal artery: the quick answer and why it matters today
“Found just under the groin crease, the femoral artery runs down the inner-front thigh toward the knee and becomes the popliteal vessel at the adductor hiatus.” This short path supplies most of the blood that keeps the leg working well.
The vessel often serves as an important access site for angiography and coronary procedures because catheters placed here can reach the aorta and the heart. A strong pulse at this point usually signals good proximal inflow.
“A weak or absent femoral pulse can point to upstream blockage and needs prompt evaluation.”
Loss of flow affects walking, wound healing, and exercise tolerance. Understanding where this artery lies helps patients read reports, follow care plans, and see why lifestyle steps protect their circulation.
- The artery links thigh-level disease to calf and foot symptoms.
- Clinicians use it as a reliable vascular access for life-saving interventions.
- Early recognition of a diminished pulse speeds further testing and treatment.
How to locate the femoral artery on the body using surface landmarks
A simple line between two pelvic landmarks helps predict where the femoral artery runs beneath the skin. Start by finding the groin crease and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Then imagine the inguinal ligament stretching to the pubic symphysis across the upper thigh.
Identify the inguinal ligament and groin crease
Palpate the groin crease and trace a light line to the ASIS. The external iliac vessel becomes the femoral vessel below this band as it enters the femoral triangle.
Find the midpoint between the ASIS and pubic symphysis
The most reliable spot for the pulse lies at the midpoint of that line, just inferior to the ligament. Within the triangle the artery sits deep to skin, superficial fascia and fascia lata.
Palpating the femoral pulse safely and accurately
Use light-to-moderate fingertip pressure. Press too hard and the beat may disappear; too light and it may be missed. If flow is low, warming the area or having the person lie supine helps.
“A steady tapping under the groin crease often signals a palpable femoral pulse.”
| Landmark | What to feel | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Groin crease | Start point for ligament line | Use relaxed supine position |
| Midpoint ASIS–pubis | Most reliable pulse site | Use light fingertip pressure |
| Femoral triangle | Artery deep to fascia and nodes | Expect nerve lateral, vein medial (NAVY) |
For a brief pre-op checklist and more preparation steps, see the pre-op checklist.
Anatomical course from the external iliac artery to the popliteal artery
The external iliac artery crosses beneath the inguinal ligament at the midpoint between the ASIS and pubic symphysis and becomes the femoral artery. From that point the vessel descends along the anteromedial thigh toward the knee.
Transition under the inguinal ligament
As the external iliac passes under the ligament it adopts a new name and a more superficial position. This change marks a consistent landmark used in imaging and surgery.
Through the femoral triangle
Within the femoral triangle the femoral artery runs deep to the fascia lata and beside the femoral vein. Neural structures lie lateral to this corridor, so careful exposure matters during procedures.
Inside the adductor (subsartorial) canal toward the knee
The vessel then enters the adductor canal beneath sartorius, where its relationship to the vein and saphenous nerve shifts as it moves distally.
Becoming the popliteal artery at the adductor hiatus
At the adductor hiatus the artery passes posteriorly through adductor magnus and continues behind the knee as the popliteal artery. This rename marks the end of the thigh segment and the start of flow toward the leg and foot.
“Knowing these checkpoints helps clinicians localize pulses and predict where a blockage might affect the calf or foot.”
- The arterial continuum begins as the external iliac artery in the pelvis and becomes the femoral artery under the inguinal ligament.
- The femur’s medial contour helps visualize the vessel hugging the inner thigh before it turns posteriorly at the hiatus.
- Small variations exist, but the inguinal transition and popliteal rename are reliable surgical waypoints.
For related pre-op guidance see breast fat transfer resources.
Inside the femoral triangle: boundaries, vessels, nerves, and fascia
A shallow, triangular groove at the upper thigh gives quick access to key neurovascular structures. This anatomical window helps clinicians find major trunks and avoid harm during evaluation or procedures.
The triangle is bounded by sartorius laterally, adductor longus medially, and the inguinal ligament superiorly. The roof consists of fascia lata, while the floor includes pectineus and adductor longus medially with iliacus and psoas major laterally.
NAVY order and the femoral sheath
From lateral to medial the NAVY mnemonic names the lineup: nerve, femoral artery, femoral vein, then the canal for lymphatics. The femoral sheath encloses the artery and vein, providing a confined space that affects how swelling or access maneuvers behave.
Muscular and fascial boundaries
Muscles guide safe landmarks. The sartorius and adductor longus help clinicians place incisions and palpation fingers to avoid the nerve while targeting the artery.
“The triangle gives a consistent, palpable window to major vessels but also makes them vulnerable to penetrating injury.”
- The femoral triangle provides anatomic orientation for imaging and procedures.
- Because the artery lies superficial here, pulse detection is easier yet wounds can bleed fast.
- Mastery of these relations improves ultrasound-guided access and reduces nerve or vein injury.
For a related procedural overview see tummy tuck and VASER liposuction details.
Key femoral artery branches and what they supply in the lower limb
In the upper thigh the main trunk quickly gives off branches that feed both surface tissues and deep muscle groups.
Profunda femoris and circumflex branches
Profunda femoris (deep femoral artery) arises a few centimeters below the inguinal band and dives posterolaterally. It becomes the chief supply for thigh muscle groups and sends circumflex branches around the proximal femur.
Those circumflex arteries form important anastomoses with hip and popliteal branches, offering collateral flow if the main trunk narrows.
Superficial circumflex iliac and superficial epigastric
The superficial circumflex iliac and superficial epigastric run toward the ASIS and umbilicus. They supply skin, superficial fascia, and nearby lymph nodes and support wound healing after groin or lower abdominal surgery.
External pudendal branches
Superficial and deep external pudendal branches cross the proximal thigh to the perineum. These small vessels supply perineal and lower abdominal skin, so they matter during catheter placement and groin procedures.
Descending genicular artery
The descending genicular artery arises in the adductor canal and follows the vastus medialis to join the knee’s medial genicular network. It helps preserve perfusion around the knee during flexion and supports surgical planning near the joint.
“Recognizing femoral artery branches helps clinicians localize bleeding or ischemia and plan targeted interventions.”
- Practical point: the trunk supplies both superficial tissues and deep compartments through defined artery branches.
- Clinical use: profunda femoris and circumflex vessels are vital for muscle perfusion and collateral routing.
- Patient tip: review related pre-op guidance for lower-body procedures at lower-body vascular and body information.
Clinical relevance: pulse checks, access site, and common conditions
A brief pulse check at the groin midpoint can change urgent care decisions for the lower limb. It gives a fast window into central blood flow and helps triage patients with leg pain or coolness.
Finding the femoral pulse and what a diminished pulse can indicate
Palpation occurs midway between the ASIS and pubic symphysis, just below the inguinal ligament. A faint or absent pulse often points to upstream blockage in the common or external iliac vessels or rarer causes like aortic coarctation.
“A weak femoral pulse warrants urgent evaluation because it may signal significant loss of proximal inflow.”
Femoral access for angiography and interventions
The groin serves as a trusted access site for coronary and peripheral catheter procedures. A sheath and catheter travel through the iliac vessel network to reach the aorta and target branches.
Careful technique and ultrasound guidance help avoid injuring the nearby femoral vein and reduce hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, or embolic risk. Teams discuss benefits and rare complications like thrombosis before angioplasty.
Occlusions and intermittent claudication in the thigh, calf, and foot
Peripheral vascular disease can narrow the trunk and cause intermittent claudication — calf or thigh pain with walking that eases with rest. Documenting distance to pain helps track response to therapy.
- Quick clinical points: pulse checks assess proximal inflow; absent beats prompt urgent imaging.
- Supervised exercise, antiplatelet therapy, and risk factor control improve blood flow and function in the leg.
- Physical findings at the knee and foot complete the exam and reveal multilevel disease.
| Clinical action | Why it matters | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Groin pulse palpation | Assesses proximal inflow quickly | Midpoint under inguinal ligament, light pressure |
| Ultrasound-guided access | Reduces venous puncture and complications | Visualize femoral vein and artery before needle |
| Document claudication distance | Tracks treatment response | Note meters or blocks to pain onset |
For related leg symptom guidance, see the article on tight calf causes.
From thigh to foot: how the femoral artery supports the leg and lower limb
Blood delivered by the femoral artery travels through main and deep branches to fuel muscle action in the thigh and sustain tissues in the leg and foot.
The profunda femoris feeds large hip and knee muscles, while distal continuations become the popliteal trunk behind the knee and supply the lower limb cascade.
Adequate perfusion supports muscle strength, nerve function, and skin integrity. This reduces cramps, numbness, and risks of nonhealing wounds in the foot.
“Healthy vessels dilate during exercise, boosting flow to meet higher metabolic demand.”
- Bulk supply: the femoral trunk delivers most arterial flow from thigh into leg and foot.
- Deep branches: support major muscle groups for walking and climbing.
- Redundancy: collateral routes can help when narrowings occur but cannot fully replace a major blockage.
| Function | Clinical sign | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle perfusion | Improved exercise tolerance | Regular conditioning and blood pressure control |
| Skin and nerve supply | Warm, intact skin; normal sensation | Quit tobacco; manage diabetes |
| Collateral circulation | Partial symptom relief when narrowed | Early evaluation for exertional calf pain |
Conclusion
Final clarity on the femoral artery ties anatomy to practical care. The vessel begins as the external iliac artery beneath the inguinal ligament, runs through the femoral triangle, and gives named branches — including the profunda femoris with circumflexs, superficial circumflex iliac, and external pudendal vessels — before the descending genicular appears and the trunk becomes the popliteal artery at the adductor hiatus.
The artery’s superficial location makes pulse checks and access for procedures reliable. Recognizing branches and the relation to the femoral vein helps clinicians plan safely. Prompt attention to reduced pulses and risk-factor control preserves blood flow from thigh to foot and supports mobility and wound healing.
