AnatomyLower limbOverview

Main veins of the lower limb

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Name the major veins of the lower limb.
Identify which veins belong to the superficial venous system and which form the deep venous system.
Describe the drainage area and course of each vein.

Watch videos

The veins of the lower limb drain deoxygenated blood from the lower extremity and return it to the heart via the inferior vena cava.

Watch the following video to learn the names of these veins and discover how they drain blood from the lower limb regions as they course a path through the limb.

Take a quiz

Can you identify the major veins of the lower limb? Take our specially designed quiz to find out!

Want to challenge yourself even further? Try out the fully customizable quiz below on the structures of the lower limb.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the veins of the lower limb in the gallery below.

Summary

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

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