Inferior medial genicular artery
Arteria inferior medialis genus
A branch of the popliteal artery that curves round below the medial tibial condyle to supply the inner side of the knee.
At a glance
- English
- Inferior medial genicular artery
- Latin (TA2)
- Arteria inferior medialis genus
- System
- Artery
- Region
- Lower limb
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the inferior medial genicular artery
The inferior medial genicular artery is one of the paired lower genicular branches of the popliteal artery, given off in the popliteal fossa below the level of the knee joint line. Together with the superior genicular, middle genicular and inferior lateral genicular arteries it feeds the joint and joins the network that encircles the patella and the ends of the femur and tibia.
From its origin the vessel first runs downwards and medially along the upper border of popliteus, sending small twigs into that muscle. It then turns forwards beneath the medial tibial condyle, passing deep to the tibial collateral (medial collateral) ligament. On reaching the front edge of that ligament it climbs onto the anterior and medial surface of the knee, lying deep to the medial head of gastrocnemius at first and later under the pes anserinus tendons.
Its terminal branches feed the top of the tibia together with the medial part of the joint, including the capsule and the tissues round the medial meniscus. They connect with the inferior lateral genicular artery across the front of the tibia below the patella and with the superior medial genicular artery above. These links make up part of the genicular anastomosis, which keeps blood flowing to the leg when the popliteal artery is narrowed or bent.
The vessel lies close to the bone and ligament, so it can be cut in procedures on the medial side of the knee, such as high tibial osteotomy, medial ligament repair and the placement of knee replacement components. Bleeding from it is a recognised source of swelling in the joint afterwards. It is also one of the targets in genicular artery embolisation for painful knee osteoarthritis.
Course and supply
- Arises from
- Arises from the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa, below the level of the knee joint.
- Ends in
- Ends over the anteromedial knee, joining the inferior lateral and superior medial genicular arteries.
- Supplies
- Supplies popliteus, the proximal tibia and the medial part of the knee joint.
Anthromica
See the inferior medial genicular artery where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
