Question

Artery passing between medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon?

• A. Posterior tibial artery
• B. Anterior tibial artery
• C. Dorsalis pedis artery
• D. Peroneal (fibular) artery

Hint:

Use the tarsal-tunnel mnemonic Tom-Dick-And-Very-Nervous-Harry; the “A” is the artery you feel for the foot pulse.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the structures behind the medial malleolus. The region between the medial malleolus and the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon contains the tarsal tunnel. The contents from anterior to posterior follow the mnemonic "Tom, Dick And Very Nervous Harry": Tibialis posterior tendon, flexor Digitorum longus tendon, posterior tibial Artery, posterior tibial Vein, tibial Nerve, flexor Hallucis longus tendon.

Step 2: Identify the artery. The artery running here, midway between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, is the posterior tibial artery - this is exactly where its pulse is palpated.

Step 3: Why option A (posterior tibial artery) is correct. The posterior tibial artery passes behind the medial malleolus within the tarsal tunnel to enter the sole, where it divides into the medial and lateral plantar arteries.

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong. The anterior tibial artery (option B) runs down the front of the leg and becomes the dorsalis pedis (option C) on the dorsum of the foot - neither passes behind the medial malleolus. The peroneal (fibular) artery (option D) lies in the lateral/posterior compartment near the fibula and does not occupy the tarsal tunnel behind the medial malleolus.

Final answer: A (Posterior tibial artery).