Plantar arteries

Arteriae plantares medialis et lateralis; arcus plantaris profundus

CardiovascularBlood vesselsLegLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is
The terminal branches of the posterior tibial artery: the small medial plantar artery runs along the inner sole towards the big toe; the larger lateral plantar artery crosses the sole and curves medially as the deep plantar arch, which joins the dorsalis pedis.
Function
Supply the muscles, skin and toes of the sole via plantar metatarsal and digital arteries.
Size
Lateral plantar ~2 mm, medial ~1.5 mm diameter.
Clinical note
The plantar arch lies deep between muscle layers, well protected from weight-bearing pressure.

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