The popliteal artery, the deepest structure in the popliteal fossa, gives off five genicular branches. Which of the following is a direct continuation of the popliteal artery after it exits the fossa by passing deep to the fibrous arch of soleus?

• A Anterior tibial artery only
• B Peroneal artery
• C Posterior tibial artery (popliteal continues as posterior tibial after giving off anterior tibial) ✓
• D Sural artery

Explanation

The popliteal artery exits the popliteal fossa by passing through the fibrous arch of soleus (at the upper border of the muscle). It then bifurcates into the anterior tibial artery (which passes forward through a gap in the interosseous membrane) and the posterior tibial artery (the direct continuation). The posterior tibial artery descends in the deep posterior compartment and gives rise to the peroneal artery. The posterior tibial artery runs posterior to the medial malleolus to divide into medial and lateral plantar arteries.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.