The ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is a blood vessel found in the upper thigh region of the lower leg.
The ascending branch is one of the three blood vessels that comprise the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which is a major thigh blood vessel. Its arterial extensions (including the ascending branch) are collectively responsible for directing blood flow to various muscles in the thigh. They also supply the top of the femur bone.
The ascending branch’s point of origin is between the extensions of the femoral nerve. The ascending artery travels up the thigh and passes underneath two thigh muscles, the rectus femoris and the tensor fasciae latae. It ultimately extends above the femur bone, specifically the part known as the greater trochanter. The artery travels all the way up to the hip and then adjoins with two pelvic arteries called the superior gluteal artery and the deep circumflex iliac artery. The ascending branch provides blood flow to the muscles in the buttocks.
Surgeries that involve the hips may require closing off the ascending branch lateral circumflex femoral artery during the procedure.