What artery and vein supply the anterior compartment of the leg?

The anterior compartment of the leg is primarily supplied by the anterior tibial artery and its accompanying anterior tibial vein. This anatomical region contains muscles that are responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the toes, which are vital movements for walking and running.

The anterior tibial artery branches off from the popliteal artery and travels down the leg, providing oxygen-rich blood to the muscles in the anterior compartment as it progresses toward the ankle, where it continues as the dorsalis pedis artery. The accompanying anterior tibial vein collects deoxygenated blood from the anterior compartment and eventually drains into the popliteal vein.

In contrast, the posterior tibial artery and vein primarily supply the posterior compartment of the leg, the femoral artery and vein are involved with the thigh region rather than the leg, and the dorsalis pedis artery and vein, while important in the foot, are terminal structures that branch from the anterior tibial artery. Therefore, understanding the specific roles of the anterior tibial artery and vein underscores why they are recognized as the key supply vessels for the anterior compartment of the leg.