Dorsalis Pedis Artery

VESSEL PATHWAY

The dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery of the foot.

Aorta → Common Iliac → External Iliac → Common Femoral → Superficial Femoral → Popliteal → Anterior Tibial → Dorsalis Pedis Artery

Anatomical location of the dorsalis pedis artery (source)
Anatomical location of the dorsalis pedis artery (source)
FUNCTION

The dorsalis pedis artery perfuses the dorsal aspect of the foot with oxygenated blood.

CAUSES OF INJURY
CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF INJURY
OTHER INFO

Palpating the dorsalis pedis pulse (DP pulse) of the foot can be done to evaluate on physical exam how well the foot is being perfused.  This pulse can be palpated in between the extensor hallucis longus tendon and extensor digitorum longus tendon on the dorsal surface of the foot.

Location for palpating DP pulse on physical exam (source)
Location for palpating DP pulse on physical exam (source)

 

Page updated: 05.12.2016