Corpus: Deep plantar arch
1. Definition
The deep plantar arch is a vascular arch of the sole of the foot (planta pedis) formed by the lateral plantar artery and the deep plantar artery.
2. Anatomy
The arch-shaped vascular anastomosis extends from the metatarsal bone V to the metatarsal bone I and supplies the tissue of the sole of the foot. It is covered by the flexor digitorum brevis muscle and the plantar aponeurosis.
Four plantar metatarsal arteries arise from the deep plantar arch, from which the proper digital metatarsal arteries emerge to supply the toes.
3. Function
The deep plantar arch is responsible for the arterial supply of the forefoot.