Superior lateral genicular artery
Arteria superior lateralis genus
A branch of the popliteal artery that winds round the femur above the lateral condyle to the front of the knee.
At a glance
- English
- Superior lateral genicular artery
- Latin (TA2)
- Arteria superior lateralis genus
- System
- Artery
- Region
- Lower limb
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the superior lateral genicular artery
The superior lateral genicular artery arises from the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa, at about the level of the femoral condyles. It is one of the genicular branches that supply the knee joint and together form the network of vessels around it.
From its origin it runs laterally above the lateral femoral condyle, passing deep to the tendon of biceps femoris, and winds forwards around the lower femur, where it divides into a superficial branch, which supplies vastus lateralis and runs on towards the patella, and a deep branch, which supplies the lower end of the femur and the knee joint.
It is a major contributor to the genicular anastomosis. Above, it connects with the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery; below and in front, it joins the inferior lateral genicular artery; across the front of the knee it links with the superior medial genicular artery and supplies part of the patella.
The artery matters in knee surgery. In total knee replacement, a lateral release of the soft tissues to correct the tracking of the patella can divide it, and loss of this vessel together with the medial genicular supply may reduce blood flow to the patella. It can be damaged in fractures of the lower femur and in arthroscopic portals or operations on the lateral side of the knee, sometimes forming a false aneurysm. It is also one of the vessels targeted in genicular artery embolisation, which is used to relieve pain in arthritis of the knee.
Course and supply
- Arises from
- The popliteal artery, in the popliteal fossa at the level of the femoral condyles.
- Ends in
- Ends in superficial and deep branches at the front of the knee within the genicular anastomosis.
- Supplies
- Supplies vastus lateralis, the lower femur, the knee joint and part of the patella.
Anthromica
See the superior lateral 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.
