Veins of Lower Limbs

Blood from the lower limbs is drained by both superficial and deep veins.

The deep veins, such as the posterior tibial vein, formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, ascends in the calf muscle and joins the fibular vein.

The anterior tibial vein, a continuation of the dorsalis pedis vein from the foot, unites at the knee with the posterior tibial vein forming the popliteal vein.

The popliteal vein transitions into the femoral vein, effectively draining the deep structures of the thigh.

The superficial veins include the small and great saphenous veins originating from the dorsal venous arch of the foot.

The small saphenous vein runs along the lateral aspect, draining the calf muscles and emptying into the popliteal vein.

The great saphenous vein travels along the leg to the thigh, emptying into the femoral vein.

Upon entering the pelvis, the femoral vein continues as the external iliac vein. This vein merges with the internal iliac vein, forming the common iliac vein that eventually feeds into the inferior vena cava.