Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The medial circumflex femoral artery is an artery of the thigh region. It is a branch of the deep femoral artery. It contributes to the blood supply of the hip joint and medial compartment of the thigh. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The medial circumflex femoral artery is the first branch of the deep femoral artery (profunda femoris). After its origin, the medial circumflex femoral artery travels posteriorly and laterally to pass between the pectineus muscle and tendon of the iliopsoas. It then winds around the posteromedial aspect of the femoral neck. When it reaches the superior border of the adductor magnus, the medial circumflex femoral artery divides into two branches: Ascending branch – passes across the tendon of the obturator externus muscle and anastomoses with branches of the inferior gluteal artery and lateral circumflex femoral artery (forming the trochanteric anastomosis). Descending branch – passes between the quadratus femoris and adductor magnus, before dividing into its three terminal branches: superficial, deep and acetabular. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Overview of arterial supply to the thigh via the femoral artery Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection of the femoral triangle, demonstrating the origin of the profunda femoris artery Prosection of the femoral triangle, demonstrating the origin of the profunda femoris artery You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Supply The medial circumflex femoral artery supplies the following structures: Femoral neck, head, and hip joint (it is the dominant supply to the hip joint – damage to this artery can result in avascular necrosis of the femoral head) Adductor muscles Gracilis muscle Pectineus muscle External obturator muscle Sciatic nerve Frequent questions What is the medial circumflex femoral artery? The medial circumflex femoral artery is a crucial artery in the thigh that branches from the deep femoral artery, primarily supplying the hip joint and the medial compartment of the thigh. What is the course of the medial circumflex femoral artery? After originating from the deep femoral artery, the medial circumflex femoral artery travels posteriorly and laterally, passing between the pectineus muscle and iliopsoas tendon, before winding around the femoral neck and dividing into ascending and descending branches. What structures are supplied by the medial circumflex femoral artery? This artery supplies the femoral neck, head, hip joint, adductor muscles, gracilis muscle, pectineus muscle, external obturator muscle, and the sciatic nerve, making it vital for hip joint health. What is the clinical significance of the medial circumflex femoral artery? The medial circumflex femoral artery is the primary blood supply to the hip joint; damage to this artery can lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a serious condition affecting hip mobility. How does the medial circumflex femoral artery contribute to the trochanteric anastomosis? The ascending branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery anastomoses with branches of the inferior gluteal artery and lateral circumflex femoral artery, forming the trochanteric anastomosis, which is essential for collateral circulation around the hip. Rate This Article