LEG AND FOOT. 



The external branch descends over the anterior annular liga- 

 ment, supplying the lower part of the leg and dorsum of the 

 foot, and divides into two parts, internal and external. These 

 go to the intervals between the third, fourth, and fifth toes, 

 each dividing into two digital branches for their adjacent sides; 

 they communicate with the external saphenous. [652] 



Tibial or Internal Popliteal. Descending mesially in the 

 popliteal space to the lower border of the Popliteus, it then (as 

 the posterior tibial if the upper part is known as the internal 

 popliteal) descends on the back of the leg to the inner ankle, 

 lying on the Tibialis posticus and tibia, and gradually crossing 

 over the posterior tibial vessels from within outward. Under 

 the internal annular ligament it divides into the external and 

 internal plantar. [652] 



Branches in Popliteal Space. Articular, two to the knee- 

 joint. Muscular; one each to the heads of the Gastrocnemius 

 and to the Plantaris, entering at the border of the popliteal 

 space; one to the Soleus, entering the superficial surface; one 

 to the Popliteus, winding round its lower border to enter the 

 deep surface and also sending branches to the Tibialis posti- 

 cus, interosseous membrane as far as the lower tibio-fibular 

 joint, upper tibio-fibular joint, and tibia. Cutaneous or tibial 

 communicating; this descends between the heads of the Gas- 

 trocnemius and upon the tendo Achillis, pierces the deep fascia 

 in the middle third of the back of the leg, and at once joins the 

 peroneal communicating, forming the external or short saph- 

 enous. This runs, with the external saphenous vein, round 

 the back of the external malleolus to the foot; it supplies cu- 

 taneous branches to the outer side and back of the loVer third 

 of the leg, the ankle and heel, and the outer side of the foot and 

 little toe, as well as articular branches to the ankle and tarsal 

 joints. [652] 



Branches in Leg. Muscular; one each to the Soleus (enter- 

 ing its deep surface), Tibialis posticus, Flexor longus digi- 

 torum, and Flexor longus hallucis. Cutaneous or internal 



[301] 



