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Dorsalis Pedis ArteryDorsalis pedis Artery DefinitionThe Dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) refers to the blood vessel of the foot that transports oxygen-rich blood to the lower limb’s dorsal surface. The dorsalis pedis vein, a deep vein, accompanies this artery along its course.
It is also referred to by other names, like Dorsal artery of foot and Arterial dorsal pedis. It is known as Arteria dorsalis pedis in Latin and as Artère dorsale du pied in French. Dorsalis Pedis Artery Location
It originates at the ankle joint’s anterior aspect and serves as an extension of the anterior tibial artery. It ends at the proximal section of the first intermetatarsal space. It bifurcates at this point into 2 branches:
It can be found in a lateral position to the Extensor hallucis longus tendon. Dorsalis Pedis Artery Anatomy
The Dorsalis pedis artery branches to develop arcuate artery, lateral tarsal artery and medial tarsal artery, along with the Deep plantar artery and First dorsal metatarsal artery.
It runs to the first intermetatarsal space base, and its deep branch connects with the plantar arch. It runs to the extensor hallucis longus in a lateral position. It arises between the malleoli, over the tibia's lower end. It serves as the anterior tibial arterial extension. Dorsalis Pedis Artery Function
The dorsalis pedis artery supplies blood and nutrients to the foot. It transports to the foot’s plantar blood supply via the deep plantar artery. The artery is a distal continuation of the foot’s anterior tibial artery.
Its singular location and its connection with the pedal arch make this artery a wonderful outflow vessel. It is an important, although often ignored artery, which can be used in operative processes that aim at salvaging limbs. It is particularly helpful in case of diabetics where the impact of the disease is common at the spot of popliteal artery bifurcation. Dorsalis Pedis Arterial Line Placement
Placement of arterial lines is possible in multiple arteries, which include the dorsalis pedis artery as well as femoral, posterior tibial, axillary, brachial, ulnar and radial arteries. Arterial line placement happens to be a common process in different critical care settings. Measurement of Intra-arterial blood pressure (BP) has greater accuracy than measuring BP through non-invasive methods, particularly during stages of critical ailments. Intra-arterial BP management helps in quickly recognizing changes in BP, which is important for patients who are constantly infused with vasoactive drugs.
This is regarded as a safe method, with less than 1% rate of severe complications. This is not a completely risk-free process, and needs proper skills with the process and sufficient anatomical knowledge. The placement of cannula or tube into the artery also allows recurring drawing of arterial blood gas samples without causing any injury to patients. Dorsalis pedis Artery PicturesCheck out a few Dorsalis pedis artery images and diagrams that show the structure.
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