Small saphenous vein

The small saphenous vein (also short saphenous vein or lesser saphenous vein), is a relatively large superficial vein of the posterior leg.

Small saphenous vein
Small saphenous vein and its tributaries. (Small saphenous vein labeled vertically at center.)
Details
Source	dorsal venous arch of the foot
Drains to	popliteal vein
Identifiers
Latin	vena saphena parva
TA	A12.3.11.010
FMA	44333
Anatomical terminology

Structure

The origin of the small saphenous vein, (SSV) is where the dorsal vein from the fifth digit (smallest toe) merges with the dorsal venous arch of the foot, which attaches to the great saphenous vein (GSV). It is a superficial vein being subcutaneous, (just under the skin).

From its origin, it courses around the lateral aspect of the foot (inferior and posterior to the lateral malleolus) and runs along the posterior aspect of the leg (with the sural nerve), where it passes between the heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. This vein presents a number of different draining points:

Usually it drains into the popliteal vein, at or above the level of the knee joint.

Variation

Sometimes the SSV joins the common gastrocnemius vein before draining in the popliteal vein.

Sometimes it doesn't make contact with the popliteal vein but goes up to drain in the GSV at a variable level.

Instead of draining in the popliteal vein it can merge with the Giacomini vein and drain in the GSV at the superior 1/3 of the thigh.[1]

See also

• Popliteal fossa

Additional images

• 
  Cross-section through middle of leg.
• 
  Nerves of the dorsum of the foot.

References

1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-02-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

External links

• Small saphenous vein at Answers.com - Stedman's medical dictionary
• Illustration at pdn.cam.ac.uk
• MedicalMnemonics.com: 278