Lower leg lab book

Question 1

What is a terminal branch?

Answer 1

Terminal Branch – The end branch (or branches) of a main artery, which either continues on to anastomose with another arterial branch or it ends (a terminal artery).
A terminal branch forms an anastomosis with adjacent arteries in a region – collateral circulation
Clinically, if this artery is damaged or occluded then the region will receive blood supply from another artery and the region’s supply will be largely maintained.
A terminal artery (sometimes called an end artery) can be a terminal branch of a main artery, but it is the only supply to a region.
Clinically, if this artery is damaged or occluded then the region can become ischaemic.

Question 2

What is the importance of these anastomoses around the hip and neck of femur? Think clinically.

Answer 2

Collateral circulation – helps keep supply to the bone in the event of damage or blockage, also important in fracture healing as a proficient blood supply is necessary for repair.

Question 3

Name the arteries

Answer 3

Question 4

Name the arteries

Answer 4

Question 5

What clinical issue is often seen in the superficial veins of the lower limb and what treatments could be carried out?

Answer 5

Varicose veins – tying off the valves to reduce the veins prominence or removing the saphenous systems.

Question 6

What clinical issue is often seen in the deep veins of the lower limb and what is most often the aetiology of the condition?

Answer 6

Deep vein thrombosis – immobility (sitting too long, long-distance flight, being bed-bound).

Question 7

The saphenous opening can be compromised by what condition?

Answer 7

Femoral hernia
Femoral hernia’s can compress on structures around the saphenous opening e.g. great saphenous vein, or even structures in the femoral triangle.
They are often misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias. It is important to properly diagnose, as the structures detrimentally affected will vary with hernia type.

Question 8

Name the veins

Answer 8