Vessel
Great saphenous vein
Long superficial vein along the inner lower limb
High-yield
Around the ankle, the great saphenous vein is anterior to the medial malleolus. At its upper end, it crosses the deep fascia through the saphenous opening; along its course, valves help limit backward flow.
Overview
The great saphenous vein gathers blood from superficial tissues of the foot, leg and thigh. It begins on the medial side of the dorsal foot veins, passes in front of the medial malleolus and eventually joins the common femoral vein in the groin.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Continuation of the medial marginal venous route from the dorsal venous arch of the foot
- Course
- Passes anterior to the medial malleolus, then up the medial leg, behind the medial knee and along the medial thigh to the saphenous opening
- Branches
- Receives superficial leg and thigh tributaries, commonly including superficial epigastric, circumflex iliac and external pudendal veins near the groin; connects with deep veins through perforating channels
- Drains to
- Empties into the common femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction, returning blood collected from superficial lower-limb tissues
Clinical correlation
Reflux in the great saphenous vein or its tributaries can contribute to varicose veins. Suitable segments are also used as bypass grafts, but graft choice depends on the procedure and the condition of the vessel.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the great saphenous vein originate?
The great saphenous vein arises from the continuation of the medial marginal venous route from the dorsal venous arch of the foot.
Where does the great saphenous vein drain to?
Empties into the common femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction, returning blood collected from superficial lower-limb tissues.
What are the tributaries of the great saphenous vein?
Receives superficial leg and thigh tributaries, commonly including superficial epigastric, circumflex iliac and external pudendal veins near the groin; connects with deep veins through perforating channels.
What is the course of the great saphenous vein?
Passes anterior to the medial malleolus, then up the medial leg, behind the medial knee and along the medial thigh to the saphenous opening.