What is the continuation of the external iliac artery?

• A. Popliteal artery
• B. Femoral artery
• C. Deep femoral artery
• D. Circumflex femoral artery

Answer: (B)

The continuation of the external iliac artery is the femoral artery, which is the correct answer. The external iliac artery branches off from the common iliac artery and becomes the femoral artery after passing under the inguinal ligament. This transition is significant because the femoral artery then supplies blood to the lower limb, making it crucial for the vascularization of the legs.

The other options listed refer to arteries that branch from or are associated with the femoral artery but do not represent its direct continuation. The popliteal artery, for instance, is the continuation of the femoral artery after it passes through the adductor hiatus at the back of the thigh. The deep femoral artery is a branch of the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the deeper structures of the thigh. The circumflex femoral arteries are also branches of the femoral artery that encircle the femur.

Understanding the relationship between these arteries is essential in mortuary science and embalming practice, where knowledge of anatomy and the vascular system is important for proper preservation techniques.