Anterior Tibial Artery

Description

Running from the popliteal artery at the inferior border of the popliteus, the anterior tibial artery passes anteriorly through the proximal aperture of the interosseous membrane to enter the anterior compartment of the leg. It descends on the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane, typically accompanied by venae comitantes, with the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve coursing close by in the proximal leg and then more laterally as it approaches the ankle. Distally, the vessel lies between tibialis anterior medially and extensor hallucis longus, then extensor digitorum longus, before continuing anterior to the ankle joint as the dorsalis pedis artery. Clinically, this arterial course matters because it places the anterior tibial artery at risk during anterior compartment fasciotomy and during intramedullary tibial nailing, where proximal interlocking screws can endanger branches near the interosseous border. Palpation and Doppler assessment often focus on its continuation, the dorsalis pedis pulse, a frontline screening point in peripheral arterial disease and acute limb ischemia. A short vessel with long consequences. Use this artwork in lower-limb anatomy teaching to anchor the concept of compartmental blood supply, in vascular surgery or podiatry materials that trace inflow to the dorsum of the foot, and in textbooks that contrast deep paired veins with superficial pathways such as the great saphenous vein in venous disease discussions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.