Lateral Tarsal Artery, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the foot, the lateral tarsal artery courses inferolaterally across the talus and navicular toward the lateral aspect of the tarsus, where it contributes to the lateral malleolar and tarsal arterial networks. From a lateral perspective, the distal tibia and fibula frame the ankle mortise superiorly, while the calcaneus lies posterior and inferior, forming a clear bony backdrop to the dorsal pedal vessels as they pass toward the metatarsals and digits. Superficial dorsal venous channels accompany the arterial pattern in parallel, contrasting with the deeper arterial course against the tarsal bones. Clean landmarks. Lateral tarsal artery anatomy matters when you need to explain dorsal foot perfusion beyond the dorsalis pedis pulse, because this branch supplies structures around the lateral ankle and tarsus and participates in collateral circulation when proximal inflow is compromised. In lateral ankle surgery, portal placement for arthroscopy and incisions around the sinus tarsi can intersect the dorsal vascular arcade, and an accurate map of the lateral tarsal branch helps frame bleeding risk and safe dissection planes. It also supports teaching why the dorsalis pedis may remain palpable despite segmental disease, given distal anastomoses. Podiatry and orthopedic teaching modules on ankle approaches, as well as vascular surgery and radiology resources interpreting CTA or Doppler mapping of the dorsal pedal circulation, benefit from this side-on layout that ties vessel course to the tarsus, metatarsals, and phalanges. Use it in lower-limb anatomy labs, procedure guides for lateral hindfoot access, and patient-facing education on peripheral arterial disease localization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.