Which vascular structure has branches that supply the distal portions of the foot and digits?

• A. Femoral artery
• B. Posterior tibial artery
• C. Dorsal arch
• D. External iliac artery

Answer: (C)

In the foot, the arteries deliver blood to the distal parts through arterial arches. The dorsal arch runs across the top of the foot and gives rise to the dorsal metatarsal arteries and dorsal digital arteries, which supply the distal portions of the foot and toes. The dorsalis pedis artery, coming from the anterior tibial artery, feeds this arch, and its branches reach the toes. The other options represent arteries or vessels that serve different regions (thigh, leg, or the plantar surface) and don’t specifically describe the network whose branches reach the distal foot and digits on the dorsum.