The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

SAPHENOUS VEINS

The saphenous veins are located in the leg. The short saphenous vein begins at the outer arch on the top of the foot and ascend along the Achilles tendon to the popliteal vein. It receives many venous branches from the back of the leg and the top of the foot. The long saphenous vein, or great saphenous vein, begins along the inner arch on the top of the foot and ascends along the inner side of the leg up through the thigh to the femoral vein. Both veins have numerous valves to assist in the transportation of blood. There are more valves located in the thigh. In bypass surgery, the saphenous vein is cut from the leg and used as a graft.
Research Saphenous Veins