Dorsal Metatarsal Arteries/Veins

In the top side of the foot, the "dorsal digital veins," carrying blood up to the small saphenous vein, communicate with the plantar digital veins in the clefts between the toes. The adjacent dorsal digital veins join to form the "dorsal metatarsal veins." These metatarsal vessels unite across the far ends of the foot (just above the toes) to form the "dorsal venous arch." On the sole of the foot, the superficial veins form a "plantar cutaneous venous arch" that extends across the root of the toes and opens at the sides of the foot into medial and lateral veins. The corresponding dorsal arteries parallel the paths of the veins of the same name.