Final answer:
The main arteries and veins involved in blood supply to the lower limbs include the anterior tibial artery, dorsalis pedis artery, posterior tibial artery, and various veins that ensure proper drainage. Pulse checks at the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis sites help assess the quality of circulation in the legs and feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anterior tibial artery is a crucial vessel located between the tibia and fibula that is responsible for supplying blood to the anterior tibial region. After traveling to the tarsal region, this artery becomes the dorsalis pedis artery, providing vital blood supply to the foot. The posterior tibial artery, branching from the popliteal artery, supplies blood to the back of the tibial region and gives rise to the fibular or peroneal artery. Additionally, it bifurcates to form the medial and lateral plantar arteries that supply the plantar surfaces. These arteries are interconnected with the dorsalis pedis artery to form the plantar and dorsal arches, which further provide blood to the foot and toes. Checking the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses is essential for assessing circulation to the legs and feet.
Veins draining the lower limbs involve a series of complex anastomoses, enabling blood flow from the foot's surface to deeper veins such as the anterior and posterior tibial veins, and eventually to the popliteal and femoral veins. Furthermore, the presence and quality of the posterior tibial pulse and dorsalis pedis pulse, together with the observation of capillary refill time, are key indicators of good peripheral circulation.