Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Posterior tibial artery
Introduction
The posterior tibial artery of the lower limb carries blood to the posterior compartment of the leg and plantar surface of the foot, from the popliteal artery. It is accompanied by a deep vein, the posterior tibial vein, along its course.
It typically gives rise to the fibular artery.[1]
Palpation of the posterior tibial artery pulse
Palpation of the posterior tibial artery pulse
The posterior tibial artery pulse can be readily palpated posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus and is often examined by physicians when assessing a patient for peripheral vascular disease. It is very rarely absent in young and healthy individuals; in a study of 547 healthy individuals only one person did not have a palpable posterior tibial artery.[2]
Reference
Reference
Additional images
Additional images
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Cross-section through middle of leg. -
Major arteries of the leg (posterior view) -
The plantar arteries. Deep view.
External links
External links
- Template:GraySubject – “The Arteries of the Lower Extremity”
- Template:GraySubject – “Ankle joint”
- Template:SUNYAnatomyFigs – “Arteries of the lower extremity shown in association with major landmarks.”
- Image at umich.edu – pulse
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