Blood supply of femoral head is –
**Core Concept**
The blood supply to the femoral head is a complex network that ensures the viability of this weight-bearing joint. The femoral head receives its blood supply from both intraosseous and extraosseous vessels.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the understanding of the vascular anatomy of the femoral head. The blood supply to the femoral head primarily comes from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, which are branches of the profunda femoris artery. These arteries form an anastomotic network around the femoral neck, providing a rich blood supply to the femoral head. Additionally, the ligamentum teres, a fibrocartilaginous structure, also contributes to the blood supply of the femoral head by receiving blood from the obturator artery.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The iliopubic and iliolumbar arteries do not directly contribute to the blood supply of the femoral head.
**Option B:** The superior gluteal artery primarily supplies the gluteal muscles and the overlying skin, but not the femoral head.
**Option C:** The inferior gluteal artery does not supply the femoral head directly.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the blood supply to the femoral head is vulnerable to disruption, especially in cases of femoral neck fractures. This can lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention.
**Correct Answer: D. The ligamentum teres, along with the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries.**