Human Anatomy - M.M. Kurepina, A.P. Ozhigova, A.A. Nikitina 2010

Cardiovascular System
Vessels of the Systemic Circulation
Arteries of the Systemic Circulation

The aorta is a large, unpaired vessel that marks the beginning of the systemic Circulation (Atlas, Figs. 50, 52A, 59, 63). It is an elastic-type artery and serves as the main trunk from which all Blood-supplying Arteries originate throughout the body.

The aorta originates from the left ventricle and extends down to the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. Topographically, it is divided into the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta.

The ascending aorta (aorta ascendens) begins at the left ventricle with an expansion known as the aortic bulb. A semilunar valve is located at the junction between the left ventricle and the aorta. At its origin, the aortic diameter reaches 30 mm, subsequently decreasing to 20–22 mm. It courses superiorly and slightly to the right, remaining enclosed within the pericardial cavity (Atlas, Figs. 51, 52, 63). The SUPERIOR VENA CAVA runs to the right of the ascending aorta (Atlas, Fig. 64), while the pulmonary artery lies to its left. The ascending aorta gives rise to only two branches: the coronary Arteries of the Heart. At the level where the second right rib joins the Sternum, it transitions into the aortic arch (see Atlas).

The aortic arch (arcus aortae) (Fig. 2.12) runs from right to left and from anterior to posterior, lying outside the Pericardium posterior to the manubrium of the sternum. It is separated from the sternum by adipose tissue that occupies the site of the Thymus, which is present in children and adolescents. Posterior to the aortic arch lies the tracheal bifurcation, and inferiorly lies the division of the pulmonary trunk. The concave underside of the aortic arch is connected to the Water/144.html">Origin of the left pulmonary artery or the pulmonary trunk by the ligamentum arteriosum.

Three major arteries branch from the aortic arch to supply the HEAD, neck, and upper limbs: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left Subclavian Artery. As these branches diverge, the diameter of the aorta noticeably decreases. At the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra, the aortic arch continues as the Thoracic Aorta.

The descending aorta (aorta descendens) is the longest section of the aorta. At the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra, it passes through the Diaphragm; the portion above is referred to as the thoracic aorta, and the portion below as the Abdominal Aorta.

The thoracic aorta (aorta thoracalis) courses through the thoracic cavity anterior to THE Vertebral Column (Atlas, Fig. 63). Its branches supply the Internal Organs of this cavity, as well as the walls of the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

The abdominal aorta (aorta abdominalis) lies on the anterior surface of the lumbar vertebrae, retroperitoneally, posterior to the Pancreas, duodenum, and the ROOT of the mesentery of the Small Intestine (Atlas, Fig. 64). The aorta gives off major branches to the viscera of the Abdominal cavity. At the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, it bifurcates into the two common iliac arteries, which supply the pelvic walls and viscera as well as the lower limbs. Continuing straight down from the aortic bifurcation as if an extension of its main trunk is the slender median sacral artery.

Branches of the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery arise sequentially from right to left along the convex aspect of the aortic arch (see Fig. 2.1; Atlas, Figs. 59, 63).

The brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus) is approximately 3 cm long, runs superiorly and to the right, and divides at the level of the right sternoclavicular joint into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries (see Fig. 2.12; Atlas, Figs. 60, 63).

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Fig. 2.12. Branches of the proximal aorta and aortic arch:

A — arteries originating from the ascending aorta and arch; B — projections of the aortic branches onto the body surface; 1 — left common carotid artery; 2 — left subclavian artery; 3 — aortic arch; 4 — descending aorta; 5 — aortic bulb; 6 — left and 7 — right coronary arteries; 8 — ascending aorta; 9 — brachiocephalic trunk; 10 — right subclavian artery; 11 — right common carotid artery; 12 — internal and 13 — external carotid arteries

The common carotid artery (a. carotis communis) arises on the right from the brachiocephalic trunk and on the left from the aortic arch. The right artery is 6–12 cm long, while the left is 2–3 cm longer.

Upon exiting the thoracic cavity, the common carotid artery ascends within the neurovascular bundle of the neck, lateral to the Trachea and Esophagus, resting on the anterior surface of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae; it gives off no branches. At the level of the upper border of the thyroid Cartilage, it bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. Located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery into its internal and external branches is the carotid body, a cluster of chemoreceptor nerve endings and capillaries. Near its point of division, the artery passes anterior to the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, against which it can be compressed to stop bleeding.

The External Carotid Artery (a. carotis externa) (Atlas, Fig. 60) ascends along the neck beneath the Superficial layer of the Cervical fascia, subsequently passing through the substance of the parotid gland. Along its course, it gives off several major branches: the superior thyroid and lingual arteries, which run to The Thyroid Gland and Tongue while supplying the Hyoid bone and its associated Muscles, Neck Muscles, Pharynx, Larynx, epiglottis, tongue, floor of the Mouth, Gums, and the major facial artery.

The facial artery (a. facialis) loops over the lower border of the Mandible anterior to the masseter Muscle, where it can be compressed against the bone to control bleeding in the facial region. It supplies the pharynx, soft palate, lingual and palatine Tonsils, submandibular and sublingual Salivary Glands, facial Skin and muscles, chin, Lips, External Nose, and lower eyelid, and forms vascular plexuses within the cheek. The facial artery anastomoses with branches of the contralateral facial artery to form the perioral arterial circle, as well as with the temporal, maxillary, lingual, and ophthalmic arteries (the latter being a major branch of the Internal Carotid Artery).

Higher up, the external carotid artery gives off branches to the posterior part of the head, supplying the muscles and skin of the neck and occiput, the dura mater, the auricle, and the tympanic cavity.

Medial to the temporomandibular joint, the external carotid artery divides into two terminal branches. One of these, the superficial temporal artery (a. temporalis superficialis), runs directly beneath the skin of the temple anterior to the external acoustic meatus, where it can be compressed against the bones; it supplies the parotid gland, the Muscles of facial expression and the temporal muscle, the auricle, and the skin of the forehead and scalp. The other, deeper branch—the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris)—supplies the temporomandibular joint, the upper and lower jaws and Teeth, the masticatory muscles and muscles of facial expression, the walls of the orbital, nasal, and oral cavities and adjacent organs, as well as the external and Middle ear; it also gives off the middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media), which enters the cranial cavity through the foramen spinosum to supply the temporal, frontal, and parietal Regions of the dura mater, the trigeminal ganglion, and the auditory tube.

The internal carotid artery (a. carotis interna) ascends lateral to the pharynx toward the Skull base, enters it through the carotid canal of the Temporal bone, and—after piercing the dura mater—gives off a major branch, the ophthalmic artery. It then terminates at the level of the optic chiasm by dividing into its terminal branches: the anterior and middle cerebral arteries (Atlas, Fig. 60).

The ophthalmic artery (a. ophthalmica) enters the Orbit via the optic canal and divides into terminal branches near the medial angle of the eye. These branches supply the Eyeball, extraocular muscles, upper and lower eyelids, and the lacrimal gland. Several branches enter the eyeball alongside the Optic nerve. One of these, the central retinal artery, branches extensively near the retina. Other branches supply the vascular tunic (uvea), sclera, and iris. The terminal branches of the ophthalmic artery exit the orbit to supply the skin and Muscles of the forehead and the dorsum of the nose, anastomosing with the terminal branches of the facial artery. Additionally, certain small branches emerge from the orbit through its medial wall to supply the anterior cranial fossa (anterior meningeal artery — a. meningea anterior) and the walls of the Nasal cavity.

The subclavian artery (a. subclavia), originating on the right from the brachiocephalic trunk and on the left from the aortic arch, arches over the apex of the lung and exits through the superior thoracic aperture (Atlas, Figs. 59, 61). It emerges into the neck accompanied by the Brachial Plexus and lies superficially, allowing for compression to arrest Hemorrhage or for the administration of pharmacological agents. The artery loops over the first rib and, passing beneath the clavicle, enters the axilla, where it becomes known as the axillary artery. Upon exiting the axilla, the artery continues under a new name—the brachial artery—down the arm, eventually dividing in the region of the elbow joint into its terminal branches: the ulnar and radial arteries.

The subclavian artery gives off a series of branches (Atlas, Figs. 60, 61). One of these, the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis), arises at the level of the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra, ascends vertically, and enters the cranial cavity into the subarachnoid space via the transverse foramina of the sixth through first cervical vertebrae and the foramen magnum. Along its path, it gives off branches that pass through the intervertebral foramina to supply the Spinal Cord and its Meninges.

The remaining branches of the subclavian artery supply the intrinsic Muscles of the Trunk and neck. At the level where the vertebral artery arises, the internal thoracic artery (a. thoracica interna) originates from the Inferior surface of the subclavian artery. It courses toward the sternum and descends along the inner surface of the first through seventh costal cartilages. Branches of this artery supply the scalene muscles of the neck, the shoulder girdle muscles, the thyroid gland, the thymus, the sternum, the diaphragm, the intercostal spaces, the pectoral muscles, the pericardium, the anterior Mediastinum, the Trachea and Bronchi, the mammary gland, the pharynx, the larynx, the esophagus, the rectus abdominis muscle, the hepatic ligaments, and the skin of the chest and umbilical region.

Inferiorly, the subclavian artery gives off branches to the posterior neck and back muscles, as well as small branches to the spinal cord that anastomose within the vertebral canal with branches of the vertebral arteries.

The axillary artery (a. axillaris) (Atlas, Figs. 59, 61) is the direct continuation of the subclavian artery, located in the axillary fossa and surrounded by the NERVES OF THE brachial plexus. The vessel is covered only by fascia, skin, and Lymph Nodes. Its superficial Location can be utilized for compression to arrest hemorrhage. The axillary artery gives off branches supplying the clavicle, scapula, muscles of the shoulder girdle, intercostal and serratus muscles, shoulder and acromioclavicular joints, as well as the axillary LYMPH NODES AND the mammary gland. The axillary artery continues as the brachial artery.

The brachial artery (a. brachialis) (Atlas, Fig. 61) originates at the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle and runs superficially along the arm, medial to the biceps brachii. The pulsation of the artery can be palpated along almost its entire length, making it easily accessible for bleeding control.

In its upper third, the brachial artery gives off the deep brachial artery (profunda brachii), which winds around the humerus and supplies the triceps muscle, subsequently branching to the anterior muscle group of the arm (coracobrachialis, brachialis, biceps brachii, deltoid) and to the humerus. In addition, the brachial artery gives off branches descending toward the elbow joint—the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries.

The radial artery (a. radialis), continuing the direction of the brachial artery, runs parallel to the radius. At its distal end, it lies so superficially that its pulsation is readily palpable. Having passed the radial styloid process, the artery turns toward the dorsal aspect of the hand (Atlas, Fig. 61), from where it returns through the first intermetacarpal space to the palm, continuing into the deep palmar arch. The radial artery supplies branches to the forearm muscles, the dorsal and palmar carpal networks, the superficial palmar arch, and the thumb, as well as the radial recurrent artery to the elbow joint, which contributes to The formation of its vascular network.

The ulnar artery (a. ulnaris) (Atlas, Fig. 61) has a larger diameter than the radial artery and descends along the ulna down to the radiocarpal joint. It is situated between the superficial and deep layers of the forearm muscles. Lateral to the pisiform bone, the artery gives off a branch to the deep palmar arch, while continuing itself into the superficial palmar arch through anastomoses with branches of the radial artery. The branches of the ulnar artery supply the muscles of the anterior and posterior forearm groups, contribute to the dorsal and palmar carpal networks, nourish the radius and ulna, and ascend toward the elbow joint region as the ulnar recurrent artery.

Thus, a rich collateral circulation network is formed in the region of the elbow joint. This network is formed by the anastomosing branches of all three arteries: the brachial, ulnar, and radial.

Two arterial arches are located in the palm (Atlas, Figs. 61, 62).

The superficial palmar arch is formed primarily by the terminal part of the ulnar artery and a small superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. This branch is very slender and only contributes to the Formation of the superficial palmar arch when Blood flow through the ulnar artery is impaired. The arch lies approximately in the middle of the palm, beneath its superficial aponeurosis. The common palmar digital arteries arise from the convex side of the arch; each of these divides into two branches that form numerous anastomoses at the fingertips.

The deep palmar arch is narrower than the superficial palmar arch and is formed mainly by the terminal part of the radial artery, whereas only a small branch from the ulnar artery joins it. The deep palmar arch lies upon the palmar interosseous muscles and gives off arteries that empty into the common palmar digital arteries.

In addition to the arches, the hand features the PALMAR AND DORSAL carpal networks. Dorsal metacarpal arteries arise from the latter and extend into the interosseous spaces. Each of these divides into two delicate digital arteries.

Consequently, The Hand as a whole, and the fingers in particular, receive an abundant blood supply from multiple sources that freely anastomose with one another via arches and networks. This feature, along with the LOCATION OF THE proper digital arteries on their protected, mutually facing surfaces, can be regarded as an adaptation of the hand for complex manipulative Functions.

Branches of the thoracic aorta. The thoracic aorta is located in the posterior mediastinum, adjacent to the vertebral column. It gives off parietal and visceral branches (Atlas, Fig. 63).

The parietal branches are represented by 10 pairs of intercostal arteries, which arise segmentally from the III to the XI intercostal spaces. These arteries supply blood to the vertebrae, Ribs, intercostal muscles, muscles and skin of the back and abdominal wall, and nourish the spinal cord and its membranes via small branches penetrating the intervertebral foramina (Fig. 2.13). The intercostal arteries, along with the superior phrenic arteries, supply the diaphragm and Pleura. They anastomose with branches of the internal thoracic arteries.

Fig. 2.13. Schematic layout of the intercostal arteries:

1 — internal thoracic artery; 2 — aorta; 3 — dorsal branches; 4 — spinal branches; 5 — anterior intercostal arteries; 6 — cutaneous branches

The visceral branches are small. They include 2–3 bronchial arteries that enter the Lungs alongside the bronchi, supplying them with blood and anastomosing with branches of the pulmonary arteries. Their branches extend to the bronchial lymph nodes, pleura, and esophagus. In its lower section, 3–6 short esophageal branches form anastomoses with the left gastric artery, while in its upper section they anastomose with the inferior thyroid artery; the posterior mediastinal arteries supply the lymph nodes and adipose tissue of the mediastinum; and the pericardial arteries run toward the posterior surface of the pericardium.

Branches of the Abdominal Aorta. The abdominal aorta is the continuation of the thoracic aorta. It lies retroperitoneally, beginning at the level of the XII thoracic vertebra and extending to the IV–V lumbar vertebrae. At this level, the abdominal aorta divides into two common iliac arteries and the slender median sacral artery. Like those of the thoracic aorta, the branches of the abdominal aorta are divided into parietal and visceral groups.

The parietal branches include the paired inferior phrenic arteries, which supply the diaphragm, and the lumbar arteries (4 pairs), which—similar to the intercostal arteries—are segmental vessels (Atlas, Fig. 64). The lumbar arteries branch off from the abdominal aorta at the level of the bodies of the I–IV lumbar vertebrae and run laterally beneath the quadratus lumborum muscle. They supply the muscles and skin of the back and anterior abdominal wall. The lumbar arteries form anastomoses with the epigastric and intercostal arteries. Fine branches extend from the inferior phrenic artery to the Adrenal gland (superior suprarenal arteries), the lower esophagus, and the Peritoneum.

The continuation of the abdominal aorta is the median sacral artery. Originating just above the bifurcation of the aorta into the two iliac arteries, it descends along the anterior surface of the sacrum and terminates at the coccyx. It supplies the deep back muscles, the spinal cord, and the lower rectum.

The visceral branches, which supply the internal Organs of the abdominal and pelvic cavities, are either unpaired (celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries) or paired (renal, testicular, or ovarian arteries). These branches are described below in the order of their origin from the aorta.

The celiac trunk (truncus cœliacus), about 1 cm long, arises from the aorta below the diaphragm near the upper border of the pancreas and divides into three branches: the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries (Atlas, Figs. 63–65). The left gastric artery (a. gastrica sinistra) runs from left to right along the lesser curvature of The Stomach, supplying it and the lower part of the esophagus. It anastomoses with the right gastric and common hepatic arteries. The common hepatic artery (a. hepatica communis), directed toward the porta hepatis, gives off branches along the way to the lesser and greater curvatures of the stomach, the duodenum, the greater omentum, and the pancreas. The splenic artery (a. lienalis) supplies the Spleen and gives off branches to the pancreas, stomach, and greater omentum. A continuous arterial ring is formed around the stomach by the anastomosing branches of the celiac trunk.

The superior mesenteric artery (a. mesenterica superior) (Atlas, Figs. 63, 64, 66) arises from the aorta at the level of the I lumbar vertebra, passes between the pancreas and the duodenum, enters the mesentery of the small intestine, and descends along its root toward the cecum. One of the branches supplying the duodenum and pancreas anastomoses with branches of the hepatic artery (Fig. 2.14). Thus, these two organs receive their blood supply from two sources: the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk. The remaining 15–20 branches of the mesenteric artery supply the jejunum, ileum, cecum, vermiform Appendix, ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon; all these branches anastomose with one another.

The middle suprarenal artery (a. suprarenalis media) is a small paired vessel running from the lateral surface of the abdominal aorta to the adrenal gland, within the parenchyma of which it anastomoses with the superior and inferior suprarenal arteries.

The renal arteries (aa. renales) (Atlas, Fig. 64) branch off from the aorta almost at a right angle at the level of the II lumbar vertebra and run horizontally into the Kidneys through the renal hilum. Before reaching the kidneys, each artery gives off branches to the Adrenal Glands, Ureters, and renal capsules. Within each Kidney, the arteries divide into branches—numbering two, and occasionally more.

The arteries supplying the Gonads arise from the aorta slightly inferior to the renal arteries and descend into the pelvis along the posterior abdominal wall (along the psoas major muscle). In males, known as the testicular arteries (aa. testiculares), they pass within the Spermatic Cord through the Inguinal Canal into the Scrotum to supply the Testes and epididymides. In females, known as the ovarian arteries (aa. ovaricae), they remain within the lesser pelvis, supplying the Ovaries, uterine tubes (fallopian tubes), and Uterus.

The inferior mesenteric artery (a. mesenterica inferior) branches off the aorta at the level of the III lumbar vertebra; its diameter is smaller than that of the superior mesenteric artery. It supplies blood to the entire descending colon and part of the transverse colon. Here, the branches of both mesenteric arteries anastomose (Fig. 2.14). This intermesenteric anastomosis is one of the most prominent in the body. The branches of the inferior mesenteric artery also supply the sigmoid colon and the upper part of the rectum.

Fig. 2.14. Anastomoses of the unpaired branches of the abdominal aorta (schematic diagram):

1 — abdominal aorta; 2 — celiac trunk; 3 — left gastric artery; 4 — splenic artery; 5 — common hepatic artery; 6 — branch of the hepatic artery to the lesser curvature of the stomach; 7 — proper hepatic arteries; 8, 9, 10 — anastomoses along the greater curvature of the stomach between the hepatic and splenic arteries; 11 — anastomosis between the branches of the hepatic and superior mesenteric arteries; 12 — superior mesenteric artery and 13, 14, 15 — its mutually anastomosing branches to the colon, cecum, and small intestine; 16 — appendicular artery; 17 — anastomosis between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries; 18 — inferior mesenteric artery and 19, 20, 21 — its mutually anastomosing branches to the colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum; 22 — common iliac artery; 23 — external iliac artery; 24 — internal iliac artery and 25 — its anastomosis with the rectal artery

The common iliac arteries (aa. iliacae communes) (Atlas Figs. 46, 67) are the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta. At the level of the sacroiliac joint, each divides into the internal and external iliac arteries. Along its course, the common iliac artery gives off several small branches to the ureters and lymph nodes.

The external iliac artery (a. iliaca externa), continuing the direction of the common iliac artery, emerges onto the thigh inferior to the inguinal ligament, medial to the iliopsoas muscle. From this point, under the name of the femoral artery, it extends to the popliteal fossa, where it becomes the popliteal artery and soon divides into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.

The external iliac artery lies retroperitoneally. It gives off branches that supply the adjacent muscles of the abdominal wall and pelvis; one of these branches (the inferior epigastric artery) ascends along the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle and, at the level of the umbilicus, anastomoses with branches of the intercostal arteries and the internal thoracic artery.

The internal iliac artery (a. iliaca interna) (Atlas Fig. 67) descends along the wall of the lesser pelvis to the superior margin of the greater sciatic foramen, where it divides into two trunks: anterior and posterior. The branches of the latter supply the pelvic walls, the iliopsoas muscle, all three gluteal muscles, and the hip joint. The visceral branches arising from the anterior trunk primarily supply the pelvic organs: the Urinary Bladder, the middle and lower PARTS OF THE rectum, the Prostate Gland, and the External Male Genitalia. In females, passing between the layers of the broad ligament of the uterus, these branches supply the Vagina, uterus, and uterine tubes, and anastomose with the ovarian artery originating from the aorta. One of its branches—the umbilical artery—is the largest branch of the anterior iliac trunk during the Embryonic period. It runs anteriorly along the lateral wall of the pelvis, then superiorly along the anterior abdominal wall to the umbilical region, where, together with the corresponding vessel of the opposite side, it becomes part of the umbilical cord. After birth, the major portion of the umbilical artery obliterates and is replaced by Connective Tissue. Only the initial segment of the vessel remains functional throughout life, giving off branches to the urinary bladder and Ureter.

Additionally, the anterior trunk supplies the proximal parts of the adductor muscles of the thigh and the hip joint. One of its branches runs within the substance of the ligament of the head of the Femur to supply the femoral head.

The posterior branches of the internal iliac artery give rise to vessels supplying the pelvic muscles, the anterior abdominal wall, the pelvic bones, the sacrum, and the skin of the sacral region.

The femoral artery (a. femoralis) (Atlas Fig. 67) is the main arterial trunk of the lower extremity. It is the continuation of the external iliac artery. Upon emerging from beneath the inguinal ligament, the artery lies superficially alongside the femoral vein. Approximately beneath the midpoint of the ligament, the arterial pulsation can be palpated, allowing the vessel to be compressed against the pubic bone at this site. Shifting medially, the artery passes to the posterior aspect of the thigh into the popliteal fossa, where it is termed the popliteal artery. The femoral artery gives off branches to the pelvic muscles, the anterior abdominal wall, the external genitalia, and numerous inguinal lymph nodes.

The deep artery of the thigh (a. profunda femoris), which is a fairly large vessel branching off the femoral artery inferior to the inguinal ligament, supplies all the muscles and skin of the thigh, the hip joint, the femur, and the knee joint.

The popliteal artery (a. poplitea), located deep within the popliteal fossa, gives off five mutually anastomosing branches that supply the knee joint and the surrounding muscles. Throughout its course, the artery is accompanied by the popliteal vein and the tibial nerve. It divides into the posterior and anterior tibial arteries.

The posterior tibial artery (a. tibialis posterior) lies deep to the soleus muscle and is accompanied by two venae comitantes and the tibial nerve. Emerging from beneath the muscle, the artery lies between the Achilles tendon and the medial malleolus, directly beneath the fascia and skin, where it can be easily palpated and compressed against the Tibia. Along its path, it first gives off the fibular artery (a. peronea), which supplies the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg and the Fibula, followed by a series of branches to the flexors of the leg and to the tibia.

After curving around the medial malleolus, the posterior tibial artery reaches the SOLE OF THE FOOT and divides into two terminal branches. One of these forms the plantar arch. These branches supply blood to the muscles and skin of the foot.

The anterior tibial artery (a. tibialis anterior), having separated from the popliteal artery, passes through the interosseous membrane of the leg and, accompanied by two venae comitantes and a nerve, descends along its anterior aspect to become the dorsalis pedis artery. The latter can be readily compressed as it lies directly upon the bones (see Atlas). The anterior tibial artery gives off two recurrent branches to the knee joint and numerous small branches to the anterior compartment Muscles of the Leg.

The dorsalis pedis artery gives off a branch to the plantar arch and turns laterally to form the dorsal arch of the foot, which anastomoses with the plantar arch.