Where does the peroneal artery originate?

The peroneal artery arises from the posterior tibial artery, approximately 2.5 cm below the lower border of the popliteus muscle.

What is the course of the peroneal artery in the leg?

It descends along the medial crest of the fibula, enclosed in a fibrous canal between the tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus muscles, terminating near the lateral calcaneus.

What are the main branches of the peroneal artery?

Key branches include muscular branches to the posterior and lateral leg muscles, a nutrient artery to the fibula, a perforating branch that reaches the anterior compartment, and terminal lateral calcaneal branches.

What is the clinical significance of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery?

It can replace or reinforce the dorsalis pedis artery in some individuals, ensuring blood supply to the anterior foot, which is important when the dorsalis pedis artery is underdeveloped or absent.

Why might the dorsalis pedis pulse be absent in some people?

The dorsalis pedis artery may be absent or underdeveloped in certain anatomical variations. In such cases, the perforating branch of the peroneal artery often compensates to maintain perfusion.

Which leg compartments does the peroneal artery supply?

It supplies blood to both the posterior and lateral compartments of the leg.

Peroneal (Fibular) Artery – Course & Supply