Dorsalis Pedis (DP) Artery
This small artery runs on top of the foot. The ability to palpate a pulse in this vessel is very important (along with the posterior tibial artery) in clinical exams to determine blood flow to the foot.
It forms as a continuation of the anterior tibial artery after it passes through the inferior extensor retinaculum. The DP runs on top of the foot slightly medially (toward the toe) to the first interosseus space (space between the big toe and second toe). As it passes through the first dorsal interosseus muscle, it becomes the deep plantar artery.
In the ICU the DP is a site where an arterial line can easily be placed for second-to-second blood pressure monitoring.