322 POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY. 



The Dai'salis hallucis runs forward upon the first dorsal interosse- 

 ous rfkiscle, and at the base of the first phalanx divides into two 

 branches, one of which passes inwards beneath the tendon of the 

 extensor proprius pollicis, and is distributed to the inner border of 

 the great toe, while the other bifurcates for the supply of the adja- 

 cent sides of the great and second toes. 



The Communicating artery passes into the sole of the foot between 

 the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle, and inosculates 

 with the termination of the external plantar artery. 



Besides the preceding, numerous branches are distributed to the 

 bones and articulations of the foot, particularly along the inner bor- 

 der of the latter. 



POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY. 



The posterior tibial artery passes obliquely downwards along the 

 tibial side of the leg from the lower border of the popliteus muscle 

 to the concavity of the os calcis, where it divides into the internal 

 and external plantar artery. 



Relations. In its course downwards it lies upon the tibialis pos- 

 ticus, next upon the flexor longus digitorum, and then upon the tibia ; 

 it is covered in by the intermuscular fascia which separates it above 

 from the soleus., and below from the deep fascia of the leg and the 

 integument. It is accompanied "by its venae comites, and by the 

 posterior tibial nerve, which lies at first to its outer side, then super- 

 ficially to it, and again to its outer side. 



Plan of the relations of the Posterior Tibial Artery. 



Superficially. 

 Soleus, 

 Deep fascia, 

 The intermuscular fascia. 



Inner Side. 

 Vein. 



Posterior Tibial 

 Artery. 



Outer Side. 

 Posterior tibial nerve, 

 Vein. 



Deeply. 



Tibialis posticus, 

 Flexor longus digitorum, 

 Tibia. 



Branches. The branches of the posterior tibial artery are th( 



Peroneal, 

 Nutritious, 

 Muscular, 

 Internal calcanean, 

 Internal plantar, 

 External plantar. 



The Peroneal artery is given off from the posterior tibial at about 

 two inches below the lower border o tjie | popliteus muscle ; it is 

 nearly as large as the anterior tibial, -artery, 'alfk^ passes obliquely out- 



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