Lateral tarsal artery

At a glance

English

Lateral tarsal artery

Latin (TA2)

Arteria tarsea lateralis

System

Artery

Region

Foot

Side

Paired, left and right

About the lateral tarsal artery

The lateral tarsal artery leaves the dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the foot as the parent vessel passes over the navicular bone. It is sometimes simply called the tarsal artery. From its origin it curves laterally and somewhat forwards, lying directly on the tarsal bones.

Throughout its course it is hidden beneath the short extensors of the toes and great toe, the muscles that form the soft bulge on the lateral dorsum of the foot. It sends branches into these muscles and to the ligaments and capsules of the intertarsal joints.

Close to the fifth metatarsal base it meets the lateral end of the arcuate artery, so that the two vessels together form an arterial loop across the dorsum. It also takes part in a wider network of anastomoses around the lateral side of the ankle and tarsus. It may receive contributions from the anterior lateral malleolar artery, from the perforating branch of the fibular artery on its way to the ankle capsule, and, through perforating vessels of the foot, from the lateral plantar artery.

These links mean the lateral tarsal artery can act as an alternative route for blood to the dorsum of the foot, and it can take over the supply of the dorsal metatarsal arteries when the arcuate artery is small. It is relevant to surgeons raising flaps from the short extensor muscles.

Course and supply

Arises from

The dorsalis pedis artery, where it runs over the navicular.

Ends in

Arches laterally over the tarsus and anastomoses with the arcuate artery close to the fifth metatarsal base.

Supplies

Supplies extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis and the tarsal joints, and links with the lateral malleolar network.