The posterior tibial artery supplies three portions of the foot. Which of the following is one of its branches?

• A. Medial Calcaneal Branch (Heel)
• B. Dorsalis Pedis
• C. Anterior Perforating Branch
• D. Lateral Calcaneal Branch

Answer: (C)

The posterior tibial artery supplies the foot in three regions: the heel (via calcaneal branches), the plantar surface (via the medial and lateral plantar arteries), and the dorsum through a perforating branch that crosses the interosseous membrane and connects with the dorsalis pedis artery. The anterior perforating branch is the vessel that leaves the posterior tibial territory, perforates the membrane, and anastomoses with the dorsalis pedis, thereby contributing to the blood supply of the dorsum of the foot. Remember, the dorsalis pedis itself comes from the anterior tibial artery, not directly from the posterior tibial. The calcaneal branches do supply the heel, but the perforating branch specifically illustrates how the posterior tibial system reaches the dorsum, completing the three-part distribution.