Dorsalis pedis artery

Arteria dorsalis pedis

CardiovascularBlood vesselsLegLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is
Continues the anterior tibial artery on the dorsum of the foot, lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon, to the first intermetatarsal space, where it dives into the sole to complete the deep plantar arch.
Function
Supplies the top of the foot and toes (arcuate and dorsal metatarsal arteries).
Size
~2–3 mm diameter.
Clinical note
Its pulse, felt just lateral to the big-toe extensor tendon, is checked in diabetic and vascular foot examinations; it is congenitally absent in ~5–10% of people.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Anterior tibial artery, Deep femoral artery (profunda femoris), Femoral artery, Femoral vein, Great saphenous vein, Plantar arteries, Popliteal artery, Popliteal vein, Posterior tibial artery, Small saphenous vein