To palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse, the examiner should place the fingers immediately lateral to which landmark on the dorsum of the foot?

• A Tendon of extensor digitorum longus to the second toe
• B Tendon of fibularis tertius
• C Tendon of tibialis anterior
• D Tendon of extensor hallucis longus ✓

Explanation

The dorsalis pedis artery, the continuation of the anterior tibial artery, crosses the ankle midway between the malleoli and then passes on the dorsum of the foot lateral to the tendon of extensor hallucis longus, where its pulsation is best felt. Tibialis anterior lies far more medially at the ankle, and extensor digitorum longus and fibularis tertius tendons lie lateral to the artery, so palpating beside them would miss the vessel.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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