Superficial and deep veins of the lower extremity

The superficial and deep veins of the lower extremity are anatomical groups of veins responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the legs back to the heart. Superficial veins like the great and small saphenous veins run close to the skin and are visible; deep veins such as the femoral, popliteal, tibial, and fibular veins travel deeper and accompany major arteries. Venous valves are present to prevent reflux, and perforating veins connect superficial and deep systems. Clinical disorders include DVT (blood clots in the deep system), varicose veins (dilation of superficial veins from valve failure), and use in vascular surgery (e.g., saphenous vein grafts). This entity is not a molecular or receptor target but an anatomical structure with clinical, physiological, and surgical significance.

Other names

Lower limb veinsLeg veinsVeins of the lower limbSuperficial veins of the lower limbDeep veins of the lower limbSaphenous veins (great and small)Femoral veinPopliteal veinTibial veinsFibular vein

Anticoagulants: prevent clot formation or propagation by inhibiting components of the coagulation cascade. Thrombolytics: dissolve existing clots by promoting fibrinolysis.