AbstractThe medial femoral circumflex artery (MFC) is important in its supply to the head and neck of the femur and to the adductor and hamstring muscles, several of which, notably the gracilis and biceps femoris, are used commonly in reconstructive surgical procedures. Considering the clinical significance of this artery, it is somewhat surprising to note the present lack of clarity of description and inconsistency of the nomenclature for this vessel and its branches, as seen in respected sources. This project was undertaken 1) to reexamine the origin, course, and distribution of the MFC and 2) to reevaluate the nomenclature in the anatomic and clinical literature for this artery and its branches. In 30 cadaveric specimens the MFC arose most commonly from the deep femoral artery (53%) or the femoral artery (40%). The MFC typically gave origin to two major ventral muscular branches and a small trochanteric branch before passing from the adductor compartment into the flexor compartment of the thigh. Thereafter, the MFC divided into an ascending branch to the hip and a descending branch to the hamstrings and sciatic nerve. We recommend the use of the terms “ascending” and “descending,” which are listed in the 6th Edition of the Nomina Anatomica, and the deletion of “transverse,” “superficial,” and “deep” as named branches of the MFC. We question the description of the “crucial” or “cruciate anastomosis,” as usually taught to medical students. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.