254 PRACTICAL ANATOMY. 



along its anterior surface to the foot, where it becomes 

 the dorsal artery. The anterior tibial sends off : 



Recurrent Tibial. Anastomoses with the anasto- 

 motica magna and articular branches from popliteal. 



Muscular. To muscles of the anterior region of leg. 



Internal Malleolar. Supplies ankle-joint and anas- 

 tomoses with the other vessels in that region. 



External Malleolar. Supplies the ankle-joint and 

 anastomoses with the other vessels in that region. 



THE DORSALIS PEDIS ARTERY. 



The dorsalis pedis artery is the continuation of the 

 anterior tibial. It forms an arch on the dorsum of the 

 foot, and sends off: 



Tarsal. Supplies extensor brevis digitorum. 



Metatarsal. Passes across foot and gives off three 

 interosseous. 



The Interosseous. Supply the contiguous sides of 

 the dorsal aspect of the toes. 



The Communicating. Perforate interosseous struct- 

 ures and communicate with the plantar. 



Dorsalis Pollicls. Supplies great toe and second toe. 



THE POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY. 



The posterior tibial artery begins at the lower border 

 of the popliteus muscle, and passes down the leg be- 

 tween the superficial and deep groups of muscles; it 

 then passes behind the internal malleolus, into the sole 

 of the foot. The posterior tibial sends off: 



Muscular. To the muscles of leg. 



Nutrient. To tibia ; this is the largest nutrient artery 

 to any bone. 



Communicating. Passes between posterior tibial and 

 peroneal muscles. 



Internal. Two or three vessels to inner side of heel. 





