Tarsal artery

Tarsal artery

The arteries of the foot. The tarsal artery is labeled as the 'arteria tarsalis'.

The tarsal artery is a small artery in the foot that branches off from the dorsalis pedis artery. It is responsible for supplying blood to the tarsal bones and surrounding tissues.

Anatomy

The tarsal artery originates from the dorsalis pedis artery, which is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery. It runs along the dorsal surface of the foot, passing over the navicular bone and the cuneiform bones. It then divides into several smaller branches that supply the tarsal bones and the interosseous muscles.

Function

The primary function of the tarsal artery is to supply blood to the tarsal bones and the surrounding tissues. This includes the interosseous muscles, which are located between the tarsal bones and are responsible for movements of the foot and toes.

Clinical significance

Damage or blockage of the tarsal artery can lead to reduced blood flow to the tarsal bones and surrounding tissues, potentially resulting in conditions such as osteonecrosis or gangrene. Therefore, maintaining the health of this artery is crucial for overall foot health.

See also

• Dorsalis pedis artery
• Anterior tibial artery
• Interosseous muscles
• Osteonecrosis
• Gangrene