dorsalis pedis artery

Introduction

A continuation of the anterior tibial artery after crossing the ankle. It anastomoses with the lateral plantar artery to form the plantar arch.

Branches

• lateral tarsal artery
• arcuate artery
• dorsal metatarsal artery

Physical examination

The dorsalis pedis pulse is frequently felt to assess peripheral circulation, but is congenitally absent in 8% of normal individuals.

More general terms

• artery

Additional terms

• posterior tibial artery