The dorsalis pedis pulse is best palpated in which position relative to the tendons on the dorsum of the foot?

• A Between the tendon of extensor hallucis longus and that of extensor digitorum longus to the second toe ✓
• B Immediately lateral to the tendon of fibularis tertius
• C Deep to the inferior extensor retinaculum, midway between the malleoli
• D Between the tendons of tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus

Explanation

The dorsalis pedis artery, the continuation of the anterior tibial artery, crosses the tarsal bones and is felt between the tendon of extensor hallucis longus medially and the tendon of extensor digitorum longus to the second toe laterally, roughly at the level of the navicular. Option D describes the site where the anterior tibial artery is palpated above the ankle, not the dorsalis pedis on the foot.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.