The main arterial trunk of each pelvic limb descends as far as the lower
border of the popliteus muscle, where it divides into the anterior and
posterior tibial arteries. The different parts of the trunk receive
special names which correspond to the several regions through which it
passes. In the abdomen it is termed the =external iliac artery=, in the
proximal two-thirds of the thigh it is called the =femoral artery=,
while below this it is termed the =popliteal artery=.