If a physician cannot feel a pulse in the popliteal fossa, the ________ artery is most likely narrowed by atherosclerosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery, so if a physician cannot feel a pulse in the popliteal fossa, it suggests that the femoral artery (which is proximal to the popliteal artery) may be narrowed by atherosclerosis. The other arteries listed (dorsalis pedis, fibular, and greater saphenous) do not directly contribute to the popliteal artery and would not be responsible for the absence of a pulse in that area.

If a Physician Cannot Feel a Pulse in the Popliteal