Sural arteries

Diagram of the sural arteries and surrounding structures.

The sural arteries are a group of arteries that supply blood to the muscles and skin of the posterior compartment of the leg. These arteries are branches of the popliteal artery, which is a continuation of the femoral artery after it passes through the adductor hiatus in the thigh.

Anatomy

The sural arteries typically consist of two main branches:

• The medial sural artery, which supplies the gastrocnemius muscle, particularly its medial head.
• The lateral sural artery, which supplies the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and may also contribute to the blood supply of the soleus muscle.

These arteries are important for providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the muscles involved in movements such as walking, running, and jumping.

Function

The primary function of the sural arteries is to supply blood to the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg. This includes the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are crucial for plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint. This action is essential for activities such as standing on tiptoe, walking, and running.

Clinical Significance

The sural arteries can be involved in various clinical conditions. For example, they may be affected in cases of peripheral artery disease, where the blood flow to the lower extremities is reduced. This can lead to symptoms such as claudication, which is pain in the legs during exercise due to inadequate blood supply.

In surgical procedures involving the lower leg, such as gastrocnemius muscle flap surgeries, the sural arteries must be carefully preserved to maintain adequate blood supply to the muscle.

Related Pages

• Popliteal artery
• Gastrocnemius muscle
• Soleus muscle
• Peripheral artery disease