Posterior tibial artery

Posterior tibial artery

Anatomy

Course
A branch of the popliteal artery. It originates after the popliteal artery exits the popliteal fossa.

It passes under the tendinous arch formed by the soleus muscle and descends in the plane between the solus and the tibialis posterior muscle. It enters the foot by passing behind the medial malleolus, through the tarsal tunnel and beneath the flexor retinaculum. On entering the sole of the foot it divides into the lateral and medial plantar arteries.

Supply

Supplies the posterior region of the leg, and supplies the sole of the foot via its branches.

Clinical

One of the pulse points of the lower limb. The pulse can be palpated by feeling midway between the medial malleolus and the heel.

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