Posterior tibial artery

Arteria tibialis posterior

CardiovascularBlood vesselsLegLeft and right

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What it is

The larger terminal branch of the popliteal artery; it descends in the deep posterior compartment of the calf and curves behind the medial malleolus (with tibialis posterior and the long flexor tendons and the tibial nerve) to divide under the flexor retinaculum into the medial and lateral plantar arteries. Shown with its fibular (peroneal) branch.

Function

Supplies the calf muscles, the fibula (via the fibular artery) and the sole of the foot.

Size

~4 mm diameter.

Clinical note

Its pulse is felt midway between the medial malleolus and the heel; weak foot pulses are an early sign of peripheral arterial disease.