Anatomy and Function of the Anterior Tibial Artery
The anterior tibial artery is located in the lower leg, running from the popliteal fossa just behind the knee down along the tibia and fibula, the major bones of the lower leg. It is a branch of the popliteal artery that delivers oxygenated blood to the anterior (front-facing) part of the leg.
Anatomy
The anterior tibial artery passes through a tough connective tissue called the interosseus membrane after it splits off from the popliteal artery and moves down the leg from the knee. After passing through this membrane, it runs down between two muscles of the front of the lower leg, the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus, before crossing the front of the ankle joint.
Anatomical Variations
More than 90% of people have no anatomical variation in their anterior tibial artery, but it’s absent or underdeveloped in some people. Usually, the peroneal artery makes up the difference in terms of blood supply.
Rarely, both the anterior and posterior tibial arteries are absent and alternative pathways are needed for blood flow.
Associated Conditions
Several diseases can severely impact the anterior tibial artery. They can include:
Summary
The anterior tibial artery supplies blood to the front of the lower leg and becomes the dorsalis pedis artery at the ankle, as well as branching off into other vessels that serve the lower leg. The anterior tibial artery itself first branches off from the popliteal artery found behind the knee.
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