On an angiogram of the foot, contrast injected into the dorsalis pedis artery is seen to continue into the sole and contribute directly to the deep plantar arch. Through which named branch does this occur?
- A Arcuate artery
- B First dorsal metatarsal artery
- C Deep plantar artery ✓
- D Medial tarsal arteries
Correct answer: C. Deep plantar artery
Explanation
The dorsalis pedis, the continuation of the anterior tibial artery on the dorsum of the foot, ends by giving the first dorsal metatarsal artery and the deep plantar (deep plantar cutaneous) artery. The deep plantar artery passes between the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle into the sole, where it anastomoses with the lateral plantar artery to complete the deep plantar arch. The arcuate and tarsal branches remain entirely dorsal.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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