Veins of the Lower Limb

Arterial blood returns through the veins

1. Superficial veins of the leg (10% blood) - lie superficial to muscle fascia
   • Long saphenous vein
     • Begins from dorsal venous arch of foot
     • Passes anterior to medial malleolus
     • Passes one hand's breadth behind knee
     • Terminates at SFJ (2cm below/lateral to pubic tubercle): Tributaries - Superficial/Deep external pudendal, superficial inferior epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac

   • Short saphenous vein
     • Passes behind lateral malleolus
     • Terminates at SPJ (sural nerve lies lateral to SPJ)

   • Perforators: (1) Ankle - May/Kuster (2) Lower leg - Cockett (3) Gastrocnemius - Boyd (4) Mid-thigh - Dodd
2. Deep veins of the leg (90% blood)