Which arteries are the three source arteries for angiosomes of the foot and ankle?

• A. Posterior Tibial Artery, Anterior Tibial Artery, and Peroneal Artery
• B. Popliteal Artery, Femoral Artery, and Obturator Artery
• C. Dorsalis Pedis, Posterior Tibial Artery, and Peroneal Artery
• D. Anterior Tibial Artery, Posterior Tibial Artery, and Femoral Artery

Answer: (A)

Understanding how the foot’s tissues are wired to blood supply helps here. Angiosomes are territories nourished by particular arteries, and in the foot and ankle the main trunk arteries that feed these territories are three: the posterior tibial artery, the anterior tibial artery, and the peroneal (fibular) artery. The posterior tibial travels on the inner side of the ankle and supplies the plantar surface and many posterior/medial structures. The anterior tibial runs down the front and becomes the dorsalis pedis artery on the top of the foot, supplying the dorsal surfaces and extensor regions. The peroneal artery travels along the fibular side and provides blood to the lateral aspects of the foot and ankle, with branches that contribute to posterior and lateral regions as well. It’s helpful to note that the dorsalis pedis artery is the distal continuation of the anterior tibial, so it isn’t counted as a separate source artery for the foot’s angiosomes. That’s why the trio of posterior tibial, anterior tibial, and peroneal arteries best represents the primary source arteries for the foot and ankle angiosomes. Proximal arteries like the popliteal, femoral, or obturator don’t define the foot’s angiosome territories, which is why they aren’t the correct selection.