What tendon lies medial to the dorsalis pedis artery?

The correct answer is that the extensor hallucis longus tendon lies medial to the dorsalis pedis artery. In the anatomy of the foot, the dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the dorsum of the foot.

As it travels along the foot, the tendons of the muscles originating from the anterior compartment of the leg are positioned in a specific order. The extensor hallucis longus, which is responsible for extending the big toe, is located medial to the dorsalis pedis artery. This anatomical relationship is significant, especially during surgical procedures or when assessing injuries, as it can influence decisions regarding intervention and understanding of vascular supply during foot and ankle surgeries.

The positioning of the other tendons in relation to the artery is also relevant. For instance, the extensor digitorum longus tends to be situated more laterally compared to the dorsalis pedis artery, while the peroneus longus is primarily related to the lateral side of the ankle and foot. The tibialis anterior tendon runs close to and often slightly lateral to the dorsalis pedis artery but does not cross it medially. These relationships are crucial for anyone studying or practicing in the