Plantar arch
| Artery: Plantar arch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| The plantar arteries. Deep view. | |
| Latin | arcus plantaris profundus |
| Gray's | p.639 |
| Source | lateral plantar artery, deep plantar artery |
| Branches | plantar metatarsal arteries |
| Vein | plantar venous arch |
The plantar arch is a circulatory anastomosis formed from:
- deep plantar artery, from the dorsalis pedis - aka dorsal artery of the foot
- lateral plantar artery
The plantar arch supplies the underside, or sole, of the foot.
The plantar arch runs from the 5th metatarsal and extends medially to the 1st metatarsal (of the big toe).
The arch is formed when the lateral plantar artery turns medially to the interval between the bases of the first and second metatarsal bones, where it unites with the deep plantar branch of the dorsalis pedis artery, thus completing the plantar arch (or deep plantar arch).
The spring ligament, long plantar ligament, short plantar ligament, and plantar aponeurosis also support the plantar arch. The tibialis anterior and posterior tendons also help to pull the arch up.
External links
- Plantar+arch at eMedicine Dictionary
- http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_17/17-3.HTM
This article incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy.
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