Anatomy · Lower Limb

Varicose veins

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  • Varicose veins: superficial veins of the lower limb, most often the great saphenous vein (GSV), that become dilated and tortuous from valvular incompetence.

Veins of the Lower Limb

Veins of the lower limb

Type

Superficial

Named veins
GSV, small saphenous vein (SSV); both begin at the dorsal venous arch of the foot
Termination
GSV to femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction; SSV to popliteal vein

Deep

Named veins
Venae comitantes of the tibial arteries, popliteal vein, femoral vein
Termination
Femoral vein, continuing as external iliac vein

Perforating

Named veins
Perforators, connecting superficial to deep veins
Termination
One-way, superficial to deep only