Dorsal digital arteries of foot

Dorsal Digital Arteries of the Foot

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Illustration of the dorsal digital arteries of the foot

The Dorsal Digital Arteries of the Foot are a group of arteries that supply blood to the dorsal aspect of the toes. They are branches of the Dorsalis pedis artery, which is a major artery of the lower limb.

Anatomy

The dorsal digital arteries of the foot originate from the arcuate artery and the dorsalis pedis artery. They run along the dorsal surface of the foot, branching out to supply blood to the toes. Each toe, except for the big toe, is supplied by two dorsal digital arteries - one on each side. The big toe is supplied by a single dorsal digital artery.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal digital arteries of the foot is to supply oxygenated blood to the dorsal aspect of the toes. This is crucial for the health and function of the toes, as it ensures that the tissues receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Clinical Significance

The dorsal digital arteries of the foot can be affected by various conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and diabetes. These conditions can lead to reduced blood flow to the toes, potentially causing pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue death and gangrene.

See Also

• Dorsalis pedis artery
• Arcuate artery of the foot
• Peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes mellitus