The superficial femoral artery is the femoral artery proper after it has given off its largest branch, which is the profunda femoris artery (deep femoral). Some authors calls it the “superficial femoral” to differentiate it from its deep branch. However, most anatomy authors consider it is the same arterial vessel that emerges right beyond the inguinal ligament (the anatomical limit between the external iliac and the femoral artery).
Once it has given off the deep femoral (also known as profunda femoris), the femoral proper travels down parallel to the femur, supplying the large muscles of thigh. The superficial femoral artery extends down, swinging backwards behind the knee-joint region where it is called the popliteal artery, which lies in the popliteal region. This happens as it comes out of the opening of adductor magnus, or Hunter’s canal, towards the end of the femur.
Below, schematic drawing of the arteries of lower limb, showing the the femoral trunk and the deep and the superficial femoral artery.
