saphenous vein

anatomy

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July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The saphenous vein is a superficial vein in the leg that plays a role in returning blood to the heart. It is the longest vein in the body and originates from the dorsal venous arch of the foot, extending up the inside of the lower leg and thigh. It receives venous branches and eventually terminates in the femoral vein.1

Saphenous veins are often used in medical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass surgery, where they are transplanted to create new pathways for blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.2

Malfunctioning valves within the saphenous veins can lead to blood pooling, causing them to become distended and twisted, a condition known as varicose veins.3

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human cardiovascular system
Inferior vena cava and its tributaries
…by the large and small saphenous veins, which are continuations of the dorsal venous arch. The small saphenous vein extends up the back of the lower leg to terminate usually in the popliteal vein. There is some interconnection with deep veins and with the great saphenous vein. The latter vein,…
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…by the large and small saphenous veins, which are continuations of the dorsal venous arch. The small saphenous vein extends up the back of the lower leg to terminate usually in the popliteal vein. There is some interconnection with deep veins and with the great saphenous vein. The latter vein,…
Read More