Corpus: Dorsal metatarsal arteries
1. Definition
The dorsal metatarsal arteries are four arteries of the back of the foot (dorsum pedis) that arise from the dorsalis pedis artery and the arcuate artery.
2. Anatomy
The dorsal metatarsal artery I arises directly from the dorsalis pedis artery, the dorsal metatarsal arteries II-IV from the arcuate artery. The vessels send small branches to the plantar side, which anastomose with the corresponding plantar metatarsal arteries. Further distally, they each divide into two dorsal digital arteries of foot.
3. Clinic
The dorsal metatarsal artery supplies the dorsal flap of the foot.