Perforating arteries

The three perforating arteries branch from the deep

artery of the thigh (Fig. 6 . 64) as it descends anterior to the
adductor brevis muscle-the first originates above the
muscle, the second originates anterior to the muscle, and
the third originates below the muscle. All three penetrate
through the adductor magnus near its attachment to the
linea aspera to enter and supply the posterior compartment of the thigh. Here, the vessels have ascending and
descending branches, which interconnect to form a longitudinal channel. which participates above in forming an
anastomotic network of vessels around the hip and inferiorly anastomoses with branches of the popliteal artery
behind the knee.
 Perforating arteries

 The perforating arteries (latin: arteriae perforantes) are usually three in

number and arise from the deep femoral artery. The perforating arteries are
so called because they perforate the adductor muscles to reach the back of the
thigh.

The first perforating artery (arteria perforans prima) runs between the
pectineus and upper margin of the adductor longus.

The second perforating artery (arteria perforans secunda) runs along the
upper margin of the adductor brevis.

The third perforating artery (arteria perforans tertia) is the terminal branch
of the deep femoral artery. It passes below the adductor brevis and pierces the
adductor magnus.

All perforating arteries together provide blood supply to the posterior muscle
group of the thigh and partly to the medial muscle group of the thigh.

https://www.anatomynext.com/perforating-arteries/
The perforating arteries, usually three in number, are so named because they perforate the
tendon of the Adductor magnus to reach the back of the thigh.
They pass backward close to the linea aspera of the femur under cover of small tendinous
arches in the muscle.
The first is given off above the Adductor brevis, the second in front of that muscle, and the third
immediately below it.

First[edit source]
The first perforating artery (a. perforans prima) passes posteriorly between the Pectineus and
Adductor brevis (sometimes it perforates the latter); it then pierces the Adductor magnus close
to the linea aspera.
It gives branches to the Adductores brevis and magnus, Biceps femoris, and Gluteus maximus,
and anastomoses with the inferior gluteal, medial and lateral femoral circumflex and second
perforating arteries.

Second[edit source]
The second perforating artery (a. perforans secunda), larger than the first, pierces the tendons
of the Adductores brevis and magnus, and divides into ascending and descending branches,
which supply the posterior femoral muscles, anastomosing with the first and third perforating.
The second artery frequently arises in common with the first.
The nutrient artery of the femur is usually given off from the second perforating artery; when
two nutrient arteries exist, they usually spring from the first and third perforating vessels.

Third/fourth[edit source]
The third perforating artery (a. perforans tertia) is given off below the Adductor brevis; it pierces
the Adductor magnus, and divides into branches which supply the posterior femoral muscles;
anastomosing above with the higher perforating arteries, and below with the terminal branches
of the profunda and the muscular branches of the popliteal.
The nutrient artery of the femur may arise from this branch.
The termination of the profunda artery, already described, is sometimes termed the fourth
perforating artery of Elliott after the anatomist who first dissected its course.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perforating_arteries