The large arteries of the leg start from the groin and go downward. The femoral artery is palpable at the groin and can be palpated by pressing downward at the midpoint of the groin. The artery then proceeds along the medial aspect of the thigh in the femoral canal and reaches the posterior aspect of the knee to become the popliteal artery, which is not easily palpable due to its deep location. As the artery below the knee continues downward, it breaks down into the peroneal, posterior tibial, and anterior tibial arteries, which are each difficult to palpate within the muscle as they travel downward. However, to the dorsum of the foot and the medial aspect of the medial ankle can be palpated. The dorsum of the foot can be palpated as a continuation of the anterior tibial artery called the dorsalis pedis artery, and the posterior tibial artery can be palpated behind the medial ankle.