superior lateral genicular artery (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The superior lateral genicular artery is a branch of the popliteal artery. Arising in the superior part of the popliteal fossa, it passes superolaterally superficial to the origin of the lateral head of gastrocnemius. It passes around the lateral supracondylar line of the femur deep to the two heads of biceps femoris. At this point, the artery is superior to the fibular collateral ligament. It passes through the lateral intermuscular septum to ramify widely around the knee.
It forms anastomoses:
- over the anterior femur and patella with the:
- superior medial genicular artery
- descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery
- deep branch of descending genicular artery
- over the tibia with the two inferior genicular arteries