The branches of popliteal artery form a complex network of blood vessels which supply the bones, ligaments, and the muscles and their tendons of the knee-joint region. They do not include the descending genicular artery, because this blood vessel arises from the distal portion of femoral artery. Along its course, the popliteal, which is the continuation of the femoral, gives off the following arteries:
1) Lateral superior genicular artery– It arises from the lateral aspect of the popliteal and then runs laterally under the biceps femoris distal end and above the lateral condyle of femur, dividing into several secondary branches.
2) Lateral inferior genicular artery– It also emerges from the lateral side of popliteal, traveling laterally underneath the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle and around the condyle of tibia.
3) Medial superior genicular artery– Being the contralateral of the lateral superior genicular, it originates from the medial aspect of popliteal, running medially under the tendons of semimembranosus and adductor magnus muscle and around the medial condyle of femur.
4) Medial inferior genicular artery– It also runs medially, lying under the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
5) Middle genicular artery– It arises from the anterior side of popliteal; then it travels forwards, perforating the knee-joint capsule to supply the synovial membrane and cruciate ligaments.
6) Sural artery– Two or three in number, it originate from posterior side of popliteal, running either medially or laterally, sending smaller branches that supply the tissues of the knee.
7) Superior muscular branches– They are four or five in number, originating from the upper portion of popliteal, supplying the distal portions of the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscle.
8) Anterior tibial artery– It arises from the popliteal as one of its two terminal branches, with the other being the posterior tibial, right below the knee joint.
9) Posterior tibial artery– It is also one of the two terminal branches of the aforesaid main artery.
Below, drawing/diagram showing the branches of the popliteal artery, with the thigh and leg muscles.
