Inferior Medial Genicular Artery (Left)

Origin

The inferior lateral and medial genicular arteries arise from the popliteal artery within the popliteal fossa. They arise distal to the middle genicular artery, deep to the heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. The inferior lateral genicular artery arises proximal to the inferior medial genicular artery.

Course

The inferior medial genicular artery extends medially around the medial tibial condyle, deep to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and along the proximal border of the popliteus muscle. It travels deep to the saphenous nerve at the medial border of the leg and passes deep to the tibial (medial) collateral ligament (Standring, 2016).

As it curves around to the anterior aspect of the knee, the inferior medial genicular artery lies deep to the tendons of the semitendinosus, gracilis, and sartorius muscles.

Branches

The inferior medial genicular artery contributes to the genicular anastomosis.

Supplied Structures

The inferior medial genicular artery gives a muscular branch to supply the popliteus muscle. It contributes to the formation of the genicular and patellar anastomoses to supply the knee joint and the proximal aspect of the tibia.

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edition edn.: Elsevier Limited.