Vessel
Posterior tibial artery
Posterior compartment of the leg
High-yield
Pulse felt behind the medial malleolus (tarsal tunnel); gives the fibular artery and terminates as the medial and lateral plantar arteries.
Overview
The larger terminal branch of the popliteal artery supplying the posterior leg and, via the plantar arteries, the sole of the foot.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Popliteal artery
- Branches / tributaries
- Fibular (peroneal) artery; Medial and lateral plantar arteries (terminal)
- Supplies
- Posterior and lateral leg and the sole of the foot
- Course
- Descends in the deep posterior compartment and passes behind the medial malleolus in the tarsal tunnel into the sole
Frequently asked questions
Where does the posterior tibial artery originate?
The posterior tibial artery arises from the popliteal artery.
What does the posterior tibial artery supply?
The posterior tibial artery supplies the posterior and lateral leg and the sole of the foot.
What are the branches of the posterior tibial artery?
Branches of the posterior tibial artery include the fibular (peroneal) artery; Medial and lateral plantar arteries (terminal).
What is the course of the posterior tibial artery?
Descends in the deep posterior compartment and passes behind the medial malleolus in the tarsal tunnel into the sole.