The three perforating arteries branch from the deep artery of the thigh (Fig. 6.66) as it descends anterior to the adductor brevis muscle—the first originates above the muscle, the second originates anterior to the muscle, and the third originates below the muscle. All three penetrate through the adductor magnus near its attachment to the linea aspera to enter and supply the posterior compartment of the thigh. Here, the vessels have ascending and descending branches, which interconnect to form a longitudinal channel, which participates above in forming an anastomotic network of vessels around the hip and inferiorly anastomoses with branches of the popliteal artery behind the knee.