Anterior tibial recurrent artery

Anterior Tibial Recurrent Artery

The anterior tibial recurrent artery is a small but significant artery in the human body, playing a crucial role in the vascular supply to the knee joint and adjacent areas. Originating from the anterior tibial artery, shortly after the latter's emergence from the popliteal artery, this artery ascends to participate in the vascular network around the knee.

Origin and Course

The anterior tibial recurrent artery arises from the anterior tibial artery, just below the lower border of the popliteus muscle. It ascends between the tibialis anterior muscle and the extensor digitorum longus muscle, making its way to the anterior region of the knee. During its course, it anastomoses with branches from the lateral superior genicular artery and the medial superior genicular artery, both of which are branches of the popliteal artery.

Anatomy

The anatomy of the anterior tibial recurrent artery is characterized by its small size and its location in the anterior compartment of the leg. It is enveloped by fascia and is accompanied along its course by a similarly named vein, the anterior tibial recurrent vein, and by branches of the deep peroneal nerve.

Function

The primary function of the anterior tibial recurrent artery is to supply blood to the anterior part of the knee joint and to contribute to the rich vascular network (anastomosis) around the knee. This network is essential for the nourishment and function of the knee joint, providing it with the necessary oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the anterior tibial recurrent artery is important in surgeries involving the knee joint, such as total knee arthroplasty or procedures addressing anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Its location and potential for variation must be considered to avoid inadvertent injury, which could compromise blood supply to the knee joint or lead to postoperative complications such as bleeding or hematoma formation.

See Also

• Anterior tibial artery
• Popliteal artery
• Knee joint
• Vascular anastomoses