What is a secondary branch of the anterior tibial artery?

The dorsalis pedis artery is indeed a secondary branch of the anterior tibial artery. As the anterior tibial artery travels down the leg, it reaches the ankle and continues onto the dorsum of the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery. This artery is crucial for supplying blood to the upper surface of the foot, and it can be palpated easily over the dorsal aspect of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones.

The other options represent different anatomical structures: the deep plantar artery branches from the dorsalis pedis artery, while the great saphenous vein is a major superficial vein of the leg and is not a branch of the anterior tibial artery. The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery and gives rise to the anterior tibial artery, thus not making it a secondary branch. Understanding the relationships and pathways of these vessels is important for grasping the vascular anatomy relevant to the lower extremities.