plantar metatarsal artery (Arteria metatarsalis plantaris)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Arises from the deep plantar arch and travels forward in the intermetatarsal spaces, dividing at the clefts of the toes into proper plantar digital arteries.
Clinical notes
Major vascular source for toe perfusion; vulnerable to thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) and peripheral ischemic necrosis in diabetics.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the plantar metatarsal artery?
Arises from the deep plantar arch and travels forward in the intermetatarsal spaces, dividing at the clefts of the toes into proper plantar digital arteries.
Why is the plantar metatarsal artery clinically important?
Major vascular source for toe perfusion; vulnerable to thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) and peripheral ischemic necrosis in diabetics.
Source & license
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