Comprehension: Popliteal Artery
Examine the AP and lateral arteriograms of the popliteal artery and its branches. These films of knee vessels were made within one second of contrast material injection into an ipsilateral femoral artery. The vessels seen are normal. Note the mild anterior curvature of the popliteal artery in the lateral projection. This curvature of the vessel begins as the knee is flexed. The popliteal artery begins where the femoral artery exits the adductor canal. Note the extensive collateral blood supply about the knee joint through the genicular arteries. In the AP projection, the three major arteries supplying the leg and foot (anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and peroneal) are visualized. These are frequently obstructed by atherosclerosis, which may lead to decreased oxygenation of muscles resulting in intermittent claudication (pain) as the patient walks.
