Main veins of the lower limb – Anatomy Atlas

Table of Contents

Overview

Veins of the lower limb The veins of the lower limb form two interconnected venous networks; superficial and deep. The superficial veins are the dorsal venous arch, small saphenous vein and great saphenous vein. The deep veins are the anterior tibial, posterior tibial, fibular, popliteal, deep femoral and femoral veins. All lower limbs veins eventually drain into the external iliac vein and then via the common iliac vein into the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava empties into the right atrium of the heart.

Keypoints

Key points about the main veins of the lower limb
Major veins of the lower limb	Dorsal venous arch of foot, anterior tibial, posterior tibial, fibular, small saphenous, great saphenous, popliteal, deep femoral, femoral veins
Superficial and deep venous systems	Superficial: Dorsal venous arch, small saphenous vein, great saphenous vein Deep: Anterior tibial vein, posterior tibial vein, fibular vein, popliteal vein, deep femoral vein, femoral vein
Body region drained by each vein	Foot: Digital veins, metatarsal veins, plantar veins, dorsal venous arch, great saphenous vein Leg: Small saphenous, anterior tibial, posterior tibial and fibular veins, great saphenous vein Thigh: Great saphenous vein, deep femoral, femoral veins