Lateral Tarsal Artery, Dorsal View

Description

Arising from the dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the male foot, the lateral tarsal artery courses laterally across the tarsal region, passing deep to the extensor digitorum brevis as it approaches the lateral aspect of the midfoot. Fine dorsal tarsal branches radiate proximally and distally over the talus, navicular, and cuboid, with contributions toward the tarsometatarsal joints and the bases of the metatarsals. Superficial dorsal veins accompany the arterial tree in blue, while cyan peripheral nerves track alongside the extensor tendons and dorsal vessels in the subcutaneous plane. Bony landmarks of the phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsal bones anchor the vascular relationships. Orientation is dorsal. This dorsal perspective matters when teaching the arterial map used for pedal pulse assessment and planning dorsal incisions, where the dorsalis pedis artery and its lateral tarsal branch sit in close company with the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve over the midfoot. Ischemic symptoms in peripheral arterial disease often declare themselves first in the distal foot, and the dorsal tarsal network and its anastomoses with the arcuate artery and perforating branches to the plantar circulation help explain variable perfusion patterns. Surgeons working through a dorsal approach to the tarsometatarsal complex (including Lisfranc fixation) also need a clear mental model of these small branches that can bleed briskly yet retract into the extensor compartment. Use this plate in gross anatomy and lower-limb neurovascular teaching blocks to reinforce surface anatomy, dorsal foot compartments, and the relationship of vessels to the extensor digitorum brevis. It also suits podiatric surgery texts, vascular medicine lectures on pedal runoff, and clinical patient education graphics for dorsalis pedis pulse and dorsal incision planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.