Which structure is highlighted and indicated by the leader line?

Which structure is highlighted and indicated by the leader line?

Multiple Choice

A.Fibular (peroneal) artery

B.Posterior tibial artery

C.Deep artery of the thigh (deep femoral a.)

D.Popliteal artery

E.Femoral artery

Answer: A.Fibular (peroneal) artery

This is an important blood vessel in the lower part of the leg; otherwise known as the fibular or peroneal artery. It starts from a branch of the posterior tibial artery most often at the level of the tibial tuberosity. This artery descends through the posterior region of the leg behind the fibula and in front of the tibialis posterior muscle. Regarding the blood supply, the fibular artery is critical for providing blood to the lateral compartment of the leg and the ankle area.

Other roles of this artery include supplying the muscles that belong to the lateral and posterior regions of the lower leg such as the fibularis longus and brevis muscles. It also forms part of the blood supply of the bone, the fibula specifically. In particular, the fibular artery has some connections with other arteries found in that area of the body including the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery. These connections are important to supply the needed blood flow to the foot, more so in other cases where the other large vessels are blocked.

On a clinical note, the fibular artery is of several categories that include the following. For example, reconstructive surgery can be employed as grafts for free tissue transfer surgery that requires a blood vessel for the flap’s circulation. Moreover, in certain cases, the fibular artery might be the only major blood supply for the foot and therefore must be saved during some surgical interventions. It is also important for interventional radiologists to be aware of the anatomical course of fibular artery especially during angiography or embolization of the lower limb.