Which muscle does the femoral artery run laterally to?

The correct choice is the Sartorius muscle. The femoral artery runs laterally to this muscle as it travels down the thigh. The Sartorius is a long, slender muscle that runs diagonally across the thigh from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial side of the tibia, effectively positioning the femoral artery laterally as it descends.

Understanding the anatomy of the thigh is important for recognizing the relationships between the major vessels and muscles. The femoral artery is an essential vessel that supplies blood to the lower limb, and knowing its anatomical path in relation to surrounding structures, such as the Sartorius, is crucial for both clinical practice and anatomy studies.

The other options, while related to the thigh, do not correctly represent the lateral positioning of the femoral artery. For example, the Quadriceps muscle is located anteriorly, while the Adductor magnus and Gracilis muscles are positioned more medially. This anatomical knowledge assists in various applications, including surgical procedures and understanding potential complications associated with blood supply in the area.