Dorsalis Pedis Artery Flashcards

Explore the dorsalis pedis artery's origin, course, anatomical relations, branches, arterial anastomoses, and clinical landmarks.

Card 1 of 25Question

What is the dorsalis pedis artery?

The principal artery of the dorsum of the foot and the direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery.

In This Section

1. What is the dorsalis pedis artery?

The principal artery of the dorsum of the foot and the direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery.

2. Which artery continues as the dorsalis pedis artery?

The anterior tibial artery.

3. Where does the dorsalis pedis artery begin?

At the anterior ankle, approximately midway between the medial and lateral malleoli.

4. What is the general course of the dorsalis pedis artery?

It passes anteriorly over the tarsal bones toward the proximal first intermetatarsal space.

5. Which tendon lies immediately medial to the dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the foot?

The tendon of extensor hallucis longus.

6. Which tendon typically lies lateral to the dorsalis pedis artery proximally?

The tendon of extensor digitorum longus to the second toe.

7. Which nerve accompanies the dorsalis pedis artery?

The deep fibular nerve, also called the deep peroneal nerve.

8. What is the usual relationship of the deep fibular nerve to the dorsalis pedis artery?

Its medial terminal branch generally lies lateral to the artery on the dorsum of the foot.

9. Which muscle overlies part of the dorsalis pedis artery?

The extensor hallucis brevis muscle.

10. Which tarsal bones lie deep to the dorsalis pedis artery along its course?

The talus, navicular, and intermediate cuneiform bones.

11. What are the principal named branches of the dorsalis pedis artery?

Medial tarsal, lateral tarsal, arcuate, first dorsal metatarsal, and deep plantar arteries.

12. Which branches of the dorsalis pedis artery supply the medial tarsal region?

The medial tarsal arteries.

13. What is the main distribution of the lateral tarsal artery?

The lateral dorsal tarsal region, including adjacent joints and the extensor digitorum brevis muscle.

14. What is the arcuate artery?

A variably present branch of the dorsalis pedis artery that passes laterally across the bases of the metatarsals.

15. Which arteries commonly arise from the arcuate artery?

The second, third, and fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries.

16. What is the principal distribution of the first dorsal metatarsal artery?

The adjacent sides of the great toe and second toe, with variable branches to the medial great toe.

17. Where does the deep plantar artery pass?

Through the proximal first intermetatarsal space between the heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle.

18. What is the principal anatomical function of the deep plantar artery?

It joins the lateral plantar artery to contribute to the deep plantar arterial arch.

19. Which artery provides the main contribution to the deep plantar arterial arch?

The lateral plantar artery, a terminal branch of the posterior tibial artery.

20. How do the dorsal metatarsal arteries communicate with the plantar circulation?

Through perforating branches connecting with the plantar metatarsal arteries and plantar arterial arch.

21. Which artery contributes to the lateral tarsal arterial anastomosis with branches of the dorsalis pedis artery?

The perforating branch of the fibular artery.

22. Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse usually palpated?

On the dorsum of the foot, just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon.

23. Why can the dorsalis pedis pulse be absent in a healthy individual?

Congenital variations in the artery's origin, course, or caliber may make the pulse difficult to detect.

24. What is the clinical significance of palpating the dorsalis pedis pulse?

It helps assess arterial perfusion of the foot and screen for peripheral arterial disease.

25. Which artery is commonly palpated alongside the dorsalis pedis artery when assessing foot circulation?

The posterior tibial artery, posterior to the medial malleolus.