Vascularization of the foot was studied using 50 intraoperative arteriograms on single legs and 50 cadaver injections. Arterial vascularization was shown to depend on supramalleolar anastomoses, the primary plantar arch and secondary arches. Anastomotic routes are essential for the permeability of femorotibial bypasses and cicatrization of distal trophic lesions when only one tibial artery remains permeable and must be revascularized.