The Superficial Venous System

The greater (or long) saphenous vein (LSV) and the lesser (or short) saphenous vein (SSV) comprise the larger veins of the superficial venous system. These vessels are superficial to the deep fascia and muscles of the leg. The majority of cutaneous and subcutaneous veins empty into one of these two veins or their tributaries [3]. Superficial veins can also drain directly into perforating veins or anastomose with branches of the abdominal, pudendal, perineal, and gluteal venous systems, thereby bypassing the long and short saphenous systems [3]. The greater saphenous vein begins on the dorsum of the foot and ascends anteriorly and medially to join the common femoral vein of the deep venous system at the saphenofemoral junction (Fig. 8.2). The lesser saphenous vein is the most prominent superficial vein below the knee and ascends from the lateral aspect of the foot and posteriorly up the calf. It terminates in the popliteal vein of the deep venous system at the saphenopopliteal junction (Fig. 8.2). Superficial veins provide a pathway for venous return from the cutaneous and subcutaneous systems. The superficial venous arrangement exhibits a marked diversity in anatomy, however.