The tendons of the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus muscles cross behind the medial malleolus (Fig. 16-23A). The tibialis posterior is the most anterior of these and is best visualized or palpated when plantar flexion and inversion are performed against some resistance. Posterior to the tibialis posterior tendon is the flexor digitorum longus tendon, which is less prominent. Palpation of the flexor digitorum is facilitated by providing some resistance to toe flexion. The flexor hallucis longus tendon is deeper and runs farther posteriorly; it is not usually palpable. Between the flexor digitorum and flexor hallucis longus tendons runs the posterior tibial artery. Its pulse is palpable behind the malleolus. The tibial nerve, which usually cannot be palpated, runs deep and posterior to the artery. Just anterior to the medial malleolus is the long saphenous nerve; it can usually be visualized and palpated.