Dictionary.net

These are two in number, and arise from the extremity of the posterior tibial artery. They are distinguished into :-The internal plantar artery, situate above the abductor pollicis pedis. It extends from the termination of the posterior tibial to the trunk of one of the collaterals of that toe.-The external plantar artery is larger than the preceding, and ought to be considered as the termination of the posterior tibial. Situate above the flexor communis digitorum pedis, it extends from beneath the calcaneum to the posterior extremity of the last metatarsal space. When it has reached this part, it turns from without inwards; advances towards the posterior extremity of the first metatarsal bone, and anastomoses with the perforating branch of the dorsalis tarsi. In the first part of its course, it furnishes calcaneal, articular, muscular, and adipous branches. The second portion of the artery is called the Plantar Arch or Gross. It gives branches in all directions. The inferior and posterior have received no name. The superior -three in number-are the posterior perforating arteries. The anterior branches are larger, and there are commonly four. They furnish the anterior perforating, and the collaterals of the last four toes.