After a double study (anatomical--50 dissections--and radiological--100 arteriograms) the following points can be stressed: the femoral tripod is only found in 38 per cent of the cases. One or several nutrient arteries of the thigh originate often separately (62% of cases). Their origine is situated highup in a number of cases (at 3 cm below the inguinal ligament). The collateral network develops from each of the arteries forming a complete "profunda femoris system". Two surgical consequences deserve to be underlined: 1. The approach to all the branches is possible by a transverse incision in the fold of the groin. 2. Surgical revascularisation must concern the whole of the "profunda femoris" network.