142 



Of the terminal branches of the popliteal artery the anterior tibial 

 may be left for the present to be dealt with later. 



The posterior tibial artery usually receives a very rich profusion 

 of nerve filaments (Fig. 3). Some of these arise directly from the 

 N. tibialis, and some from the nerve to the M. flexor hallucis longus. 

 Of the former group one large and very constant branch is received 

 just above the medial malleolus. (See also Souliä (3)). The peroneal 

 artery derives its supply from the nerves to the M.M. popliteus and 

 flexor hallucis longus (Fig. 3). 



As may be observed in figure 4, the medial and lateral plantar 

 vessels and their branches receive their nerve supply from the 

 corresponding nerves of the sole. I have not had the success attained 

 by Kramer in demonstrating in a manner satisfactory to myself, the 



distribution of nerve filaments to the 

 digital vessels. No doubt such could 

 be defined, especially if fresh limbs 

 where available on which to perform 

 the dissection. I have throughout 

 tended perhaps to underestimate the 

 number of vascular nerves, having 

 figured and noted only those which 

 were undeniably present in most cases. 

 The anterior tibial artery and its 

 continuation, the A. dorsalis pedis, and 

 branches all receive twigs at intervals 

 from the K peronaeus profundus. These 

 are noted in figure 1 to the extent to 

 which I have been able with certainty 

 to identify them. 



As indicated in figure 3, the in- 

 ferior gluteal artery is supplied by 

 branches from the N. glutaeus inferior. All lesser vessels obtained 

 their nerve-supply from the sympathetic plexus surrounding the parent 

 trunk. 



This brief survey shows that, as in the arm, the distribution of 

 vascular nerves in the leg is much more extensive than the textbooks 

 would lead one to suppose. It also proves that the sympathetic supply 

 for the vessels of the lower extremity reaches the main vessels at 

 intervals along their course. The small vessels differ from the large 



Fig. 4. Distribution of nerves 

 to the medial and lateral plantar 

 arteries and their branches. 



