Superficial branch of medial plantar artery

The superficial branch of the medial plantar artery arises from the medial plantar artery (MPA), which is a branch of the posterior tibial artery and courses between the abductor hallucis muscle and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. It then continues distally to end as the first plantar metatarsal artery, which supplies the first metatarsal region and gives off small branches to the distal part of the abductor hallucis muscle.[1]

In some anatomical variations, the MPA may lack a deep branch and continue solely as a superficial branch, supplying both proximal and distal collaterals to the AHM.[1] The superficial branch of the MPA also provides perforators that are crucial for flap designs, such as the medial plantar artery perforator (MPAP) flap, which is used in reconstructive surgeries.[2]