Arterial supply of the lower limb

Last revised by Yoshi Yu on 18 Mar 2023

The arterial supply of the lower limbs originates from the external iliac artery

The common femoral artery is the direct continuation of the external iliac artery, beginning at the level of the inguinal ligament. The common femoral artery becomes the superficial femoral artery at the point where it gives off the profunda femoris.

The popliteal artery is the direct continuation of the SFA in the adductor canal. The popliteal artery terminates into the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk

The anterior tibial artery passes through the interosseous membrane to reach the anterior compartment of the leg. It continues to the dorsum of the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery. 

The tibioperoneal trunk divides into the posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. The posterior tibial artery passes downwards and behind the medial malleolus. It divides into medial and lateral plantar arteries. The peroneal (fibular artery) descends in the deep part of the posterior compartment, just medial to the fibula, supplying a perforating branch to the lateral and anterior compartments.

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