[2] It is the largest branch of the profunda femoris artery.

[2] The lateral circumflex femoral artery has three branches: The lateral circumflex femoral artery mainly supplies muscles of the lateral thigh,[4] suppliyng the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris muscles.

[5] Due to the fact that it passes across the thickest part of the hip joint capsule, it is in a less suitable position to supply the proximal femur so that most of the arterial supply to the head and neck of the femur is instead afforded by the medial circumflex femoral artery.

[citation needed] 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).

[7] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 630 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)