Final answer:
The popliteal artery splits into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries behind the knee, with the anterior tibial artery providing blood to the anterior leg and becoming the dorsalis pedis artery, while the posterior tibial artery supplies the posterior leg and branches into the fibular artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery posterior to the knee. This artery then branches into two main arteries which supply blood to the lower leg: the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery. The anterior tibial artery travels between the tibia and fibula, heading towards the front of the leg, ultimately becoming the dorsalis pedis artery that supplies the foot. The posterior tibial artery, on the other hand, provides blood to the posterior part of the leg and further splits into the fibular or peroneal artery as well as branches into the medial and lateral plantar arteries for the foot.