The external pudendal arteries are two small branches of the femoral artery, superficial and deep, that supply the skin of the lower abdomen, the external genitalia and the medial upper thigh. They run medially from the femoral triangle and anastomose with branches of the internal pudendal artery. The superficial external pudendal artery crosses close to the saphenofemoral junction.
| Origin | Femoral artery in the femoral triangle (superficial and deep arteries) |
|---|---|
| Course | The superficial artery pierces the cribriform fascia and runs medially over the spermatic cord or round ligament; the deep artery passes medially across pectineus and adductor longus deep to the fascia lata to the external genitalia |
| Branches |
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The superficial external pudendal artery passes near the termination of the great saphenous vein and may be injured during saphenofemoral ligation for varicose veins. The external pudendal vessels supply skin flaps used in genital and perineal reconstruction. They can also be a source of bleeding after groin access procedures.
Damage during saphenofemoral junction surgery or femoral access causing a groin haematoma, managed by pressure or ligation.
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