Final answer:
The popliteal artery, located deep to the tibial nerve, can cause compression of the nerve if it dilates. A dilation could potentially lead to the formation of an arteriovenous fistula with the popliteal vein.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popliteal artery is located deep to the tibial nerve. Dilation of the popliteal artery, which may occur due to an aneurysm or other malformations, can potentially compress the tibial nerve and occlude its blood supply.
The chronic pressure exerted by the enlarged artery can impair the function of the nerve, leading to various neurological symptoms. Additionally, the formation of a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, can sometimes involve the popliteal artery and the popliteal vein.
This condition is typically referred to as an arteriovenous fistula.
The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery after it passes posterior to the knee. It branches into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, where the posterior tibial artery further divides to give rise to the fibular or peroneal artery.
These vessels play a critical role in supplying blood to various regions of the leg, such as the posterior tibial region.