Which artery primarily supplies the knee joint?

Which artery primarily supplies the knee joint?

• A. femoral
• B. anterior tibial
• C. posterior tibial
• D. popliteal

Answer: (D)

The knee receives its blood supply mainly from arteries that form a ring around the joint, called the genicular arteries. These branches come off the popliteal artery, which runs behind the knee. The popliteal artery gives several genicular branches—superior and inferior on both sides, plus a middle branch that travels inside the joint. Together, these branches form a rich anastomosis around the knee to nourish the joint capsule, ligaments, menisci, and synovium. Because this major network originates from the popliteal trunk, that vessel is the primary source feeding the knee. The femoral artery can contribute indirectly through a branch called the descending genicular artery, but its role is supplementary compared with the popliteal’s genicular branches. The anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries mainly supply the leg and foot, not the knee joint itself, so their direct contribution to the knee’s arterial supply is secondary to the popliteal-derived network.

The knee receives its blood supply mainly from arteries that form a ring around the joint, called the genicular arteries. These branches come off the popliteal artery, which runs behind the knee. The popliteal artery gives several genicular branches—superior and inferior on both sides, plus a middle branch that travels inside the joint. Together, these branches form a rich anastomosis around the knee to nourish the joint capsule, ligaments, menisci, and synovium. Because this major network originates from the popliteal trunk, that vessel is the primary source feeding the knee.

The femoral artery can contribute indirectly through a branch called the descending genicular artery, but its role is supplementary compared with the popliteal’s genicular branches. The anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries mainly supply the leg and foot, not the knee joint itself, so their direct contribution to the knee’s arterial supply is secondary to the popliteal-derived network.