Popliteal artery

Definition

The popliteal artery is a major blood vessel located behind the knee that supplies oxygenated blood to the lower leg, knee, and foot. It is a continuation of the femoral artery after it passes through the adductor hiatus (an opening in a muscle).

Related terms

Femoral Artery: The main blood vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the thigh and becoming the popliteal artery at the knee.

Tibial Arteries: They are branches of the popliteal artery that further supply blood to the lower legs and feet.

Adductor Hiatus: An opening in the adductor magnus muscle through which the femoral artery passes to become the popliteal artery