Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the leg?

The femoral artery is the primary artery responsible for supplying blood to the leg, originating from the external iliac artery as it passes under the inguinal ligament. It runs down the thigh and branches into several arteries, including the popliteal artery, which continues to supply blood to the lower leg and foot through further branches like the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.

Understanding the role of the femoral artery is crucial for medical situations involving circulation to the lower extremities, as any compromise to this artery can lead to inadequate blood supply, resulting in severe complications. Additionally, the femoral artery is commonly accessed for procedures such as catheterization, demonstrating its significance in both anatomical understanding and clinical practice.

In contrast, the radial artery primarily supplies the forearm and hand, the carotid artery supplies blood to the head and neck, and the brachial artery supplies the upper arm. This distinction emphasizes the specific role of the femoral artery in leg circulation.