Answer
**Dorsal Pedal Artery:** The dorsal pedal artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery as it reaches the dorsal (upper) surface of the foot. It runs between the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus muscles, providing blood supply to the dorsal structures of the foot, including the toes and adjacent areas.
**Arcuate Artery:** The arcuate artery is a small branch that arises from the dorsal pedal artery. It forms an arch-like course along the metatarsal bones (long bones of the foot) and contributes to the blood supply of the metatarsal region.
**Fibular Artery (Peroneal Artery):** The fibular artery is a branch of the posterior tibial artery. It supplies the lateral compartment of the leg and gives off various branches that contribute to the blood supply of the muscles in that region.
**Medial Plantar Artery:** The medial plantar artery arises from the posterior tibial artery and travels along the medial side of the foot. It supplies the medial structures of the sole, including the muscles and skin.
**Lateral Plantar Artery:** The lateral plantar artery is also a branch of the posterior tibial artery. It runs along the lateral aspect of the foot, parallel to the medial plantar artery. It provides blood supply to the lateral structures of the sole, including muscles and skin.
**Deep Plantar Arch (Plantar Metatarsal Arteries):** The deep plantar arch is formed by the deep branches of the lateral and medial plantar arteries. This arch runs transversely across the metatarsal bones in the foot, providing an anastomotic network that supplies the structures on the plantar surface of the foot.
These arteries are vital for supplying oxygenated blood to the muscles, bones, and other structures of the foot. The intricate network of arteries in the lower limb ensures proper circulation and supports the functional requirements of walking, running, and other activities.
Work Step by Step
**Dorsal Pedal Artery:** The dorsal pedal artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery as it reaches the dorsal (upper) surface of the foot. It runs between the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus muscles, providing blood supply to the dorsal structures of the foot, including the toes and adjacent areas.
**Arcuate Artery:** The arcuate artery is a small branch that arises from the dorsal pedal artery. It forms an arch-like course along the metatarsal bones (long bones of the foot) and contributes to the blood supply of the metatarsal region.
**Fibular Artery (Peroneal Artery):** The fibular artery is a branch of the posterior tibial artery. It supplies the lateral compartment of the leg and gives off various branches that contribute to the blood supply of the muscles in that region.
**Medial Plantar Artery:** The medial plantar artery arises from the posterior tibial artery and travels along the medial side of the foot. It supplies the medial structures of the sole, including the muscles and skin.
**Lateral Plantar Artery:** The lateral plantar artery is also a branch of the posterior tibial artery. It runs along the lateral aspect of the foot, parallel to the medial plantar artery. It provides blood supply to the lateral structures of the sole, including muscles and skin.
**Deep Plantar Arch (Plantar Metatarsal Arteries):** The deep plantar arch is formed by the deep branches of the lateral and medial plantar arteries. This arch runs transversely across the metatarsal bones in the foot, providing an anastomotic network that supplies the structures on the plantar surface of the foot.
These arteries are vital for supplying oxygenated blood to the muscles, bones, and other structures of the foot. The intricate network of arteries in the lower limb ensures proper circulation and supports the functional requirements of walking, running, and other activities.
