Vessel
Posterior tibial artery
Deep calf artery continuing into the sole
High-yield
Its terminal medial and lateral plantar arteries supply the sole. Proximally, the posterior tibial and fibular arteries usually share a short tibioperoneal trunk from the popliteal artery.
Overview
The posterior tibial artery carries blood through the deep posterior leg and into the plantar foot. Near the ankle it passes with the tibial nerve behind the medial malleolus, beneath the flexor retinaculum, before dividing into plantar branches.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Arises from the popliteal arterial system, usually through the tibioperoneal trunk
- Course
- Descends in the deep posterior compartment with the tibial nerve and passes behind the medial malleolus through the tarsal tunnel
- Branches
- Muscular, tibial nutrient, communicating, medial malleolar and calcaneal branches; ends as medial and lateral plantar arteries. The fibular artery usually arises from its shared proximal trunk
- Supplies
- Posterior leg tissues and plantar foot; the associated fibular arterial route contributes to the lateral leg
Clinical correlation
Clinicians assess the posterior tibial pulse behind the medial malleolus together with the dorsalis pedis pulse and other findings. Pulse palpation by itself cannot reliably exclude peripheral arterial disease; objective blood-flow testing may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the posterior tibial artery originate?
Arises from the popliteal arterial system, usually through the tibioperoneal trunk.
What does the posterior tibial artery supply?
Posterior leg tissues and plantar foot; the associated fibular arterial route contributes to the lateral leg.
What are the branches of the posterior tibial artery?
Muscular, tibial nutrient, communicating, medial malleolar and calcaneal branches; ends as medial and lateral plantar arteries. The fibular artery usually arises from its shared proximal trunk.
What is the course of the posterior tibial artery?
Descends in the deep posterior compartment with the tibial nerve and passes behind the medial malleolus through the tarsal tunnel.