The blood supply of the lower limb is provided by a complex network of arteries and veins that ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues of the leg and foot, as well as the removal of waste products.
Arterial Supply: 1. Common iliac artery: The blood supply to the lower limb begins with the common iliac artery, which branches into the external iliac artery and internal iliac artery. 2. External iliac artery: This artery continues down the thigh as the femoral artery, supplying blood to the muscles and skin of the thigh. 3. Popliteal artery: At the back of the knee, the femoral artery becomes the popliteal artery, which gives rise to several branches that supply the knee joint and muscles of the calf. 4. Anterior tibial artery: The popliteal artery continues down the leg and becomes the anterior tibial artery, which supplies blood to the muscles and skin on the front of the leg. 5. Posterior tibial artery: The popliteal artery also gives rise to the posterior tibial artery, which supplies blood to the muscles and skin on the back of the leg. 6. Peroneal artery: The posterior tibial artery gives off a branch called the peroneal artery, which supplies blood to the lateral side of the leg and foot.
Venous Drainage: The venous drainage of the lower limb follows a similar pattern to the arterial supply, with veins accompanying the arteries and returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. 1. Deep veins: Deep veins run alongside the arteries and include the femoral vein, popliteal vein, anterior tibial vein, posterior tibial vein, and peroneal vein. These veins drain the deep tissues of the leg. 2. Superficial veins: Superficial veins are located closer to the surface of the skin and include the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein. These veins drain blood from the skin and superficial tissues of the leg and thigh. 3. Deep and superficial veins connect through perforating veins, which allow blood to flow between the two systems.
The blood supply of the lower limb is crucial for maintaining proper function and health of the leg and foot. Any disruption in the blood flow, such as arterial blockages or venous insufficiency, can lead to various conditions like peripheral artery disease or varicose veins.