femoral artery. Variation Origin The lateral femoral circumflex artery has a variable origin. In 67% of people, it arises 1.5 cm inferior to the origin of the profunda femoris artery, and in others it arises at different distances from this origin. In up to 20% of people, it arises directly from the femoral artery. Course A rare variant, where the lateral circumflex femoral artery passes posterior to the femoral nerve, has also been reported (this is important in orthopaedic surgery). See also Medial femoral circumflex artery Additional images References External links - "Arteries of the lower extremity shown in association with major landmarks." Arteries of the lower limb