Arteries of the Leg

Question 1

Popliteal

Answer 1

Origin: Continuation of femoral artery at adductor hiatus in adductor magnus

Course: Passes through popliteal fossa to leg: ends at lower border of popliteus muscle by dividing into anterior and posterior tibial arteries

Distribution: superior, middle and inferior genicular arteries to both lateral and medial aspects of knee

Question 2

Anterior Tibial

Answer 2

Origin: popliteal

Course: Passes between tibia and fibula into anterior compartment through gap in superior part of interosseous membrane and descends on this membrane between tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus

Distribution : Anterior compartment of leg

Question 3

Dorsal Pedis

Answer 3

Origin: Continuation of anterior tibial artery distal to inferior extensor retinaculum

Course: Descends anteromedially to first interosseous space and divides into plantar and arcuate arteries

Distribution : Muscles on dorsum of foot: pierces first dorsal interosseous muscles as deep plantar artery to contribute to formation of plantar arch

Question 4

Posterior Tibial

Answer 4

Origin: Popliteal

Course: Passes through posterior compartment of leg and terminates distal to flexor retinaculum by dividing into medial and lateral plantar arteries

Distribution: Posterior and lateral compartments of leg. Circumflex fibular branch joins anastomoses around knee. Nutrient artery passes to tibia

Question 5

Fibular

Answer 5

origin: Posterior tibial

Course: descends in posterior compartment adjacent to posterior intermuscular septum

Distribution: posterior compartment of the leg: perforating branches supply lateral compartment of leg