The posterior tibial artery divides into two terminal branches in the foot (lateral plantar artery and medial plantar artery), and on its course gives off several side branches, including:

Peroneal (fibular) artery
Circumflex fibular artery
Posterior medial malleolar branches
Calcaneal branches

The peroneal (fibular) artery arises from the posterior tibial artery at the superior part of the cruropopliteal canal. It passes laterally, descends via the inferior musculoperoneal canal and then divides into terminal branches called the calcaneal branches. The peroneal artery supplies the lateral muscle group of the lower leg, the fibula, as well as the lateral malleolar region.

On its course, the peroneal artery gives off several side branches: muscular branches to the lateral muscle group of the lower leg; fibular nutrient artery that supplies the fibula; perforating branch and lateral malleolar branches, both contributing to the lateral malleolar network.

The circumflex fibular artery is another branch of the posterior tibial artery that ascends to the popliteal fossa, curves around the head of the fibula and participates in forming the patellar network. This artery contributes to supplying the knee joint and the muscles around it.

The posterior medial malleolar branches turn around the medial malleolus and form the medial malleolar network together with the anterior medial malleolar artery from the anterior tibial artery and the medial tarsal arteries from the dorsalis pedis artery. The medial malleolar branches of the posterior tibial artery supply the medial malleolus, the ankle joint and the tarsal bones.

The calcaneal branches originate just proximally from the site where the posterior tibial artery divides into its terminal branches. These branches perforate the flexor retinaculum and supply the skin in the area over the calcaneus and calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, as well as medial muscles of the plantar side of the foot.

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Branches of posterior tibial artery