The cruciate anastomosis around the hip joint is important for collateral circulation following femoral artery occlusion. Which four arteries contribute to this anastomosis?

• A Superior gluteal, obturator, internal pudendal, and femoral circumflex arteries
• B Inferior gluteal, medial circumflex femoral (ascending branch), lateral circumflex femoral (descending branch), and first perforating branch of profunda femoris ✓
• C Lateral circumflex femoral, medial circumflex femoral, obturator, and superior gluteal arteries
• D Inferior gluteal, superior gluteal, obturator, and lateral circumflex femoral arteries

Explanation

The cruciate anastomosis at the upper thigh is a crucial collateral pathway. It is formed by four vessels: the inferior gluteal artery (from the internal iliac via greater sciatic foramen), the ascending branch of the medial circumflex femoral artery, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the transverse branch of the first perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery. This anastomosis maintains limb perfusion when the femoral artery is occluded below the inguinal ligament, and it is important in assessing collateral viability in peripheral vascular disease.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.