MSK - Venous Drainage of the Lower Limb Flashcards
The veins of the lower limb can be divided into two groups, what are they?
Describe where they are located
Deep veins - Located underneath the deep fascia of the lower limb, accompanying the major arteries
Superficial veins - Found in the subcutaneous tissue. They eventually drain into the deep veins
What is the general rule of deep veins in relation to arteries in the lower limb?
Deep veins share the name and accompany the major arteries
Why are the deep veins often in the same sheath as the major arteries?
Arterial pulsation said with venous return
What is the main venous structure of the leg?
What is the name of the veins that penetrate deep into the leg?
Dorsal Venous Arch
Forms the Anterior Tibial Vein
What veins arise on the plantar surface of the foot?
What do these veins combine to form?
Medial and Lateral Plantar Veins
Posterior Tibial and Fibular Veins
What vein accompanies the posterior tibial artery and where does it enter the leg?
The posterior tibial vein
Enters posterior lay to the medial malleolus
The anterior tibial, posterior tibial and fibular veins come together where?
What do they come together to form?
Come together on the posterior surface of the knee to form the popliteal vein
How does the popliteal vein enter the thigh?
Via the adductor canal
What is the popliteal vein known as once it has entered the thigh?
Where on the thigh is it situated?
The femoral vein
Anteriorly
What is the other venous structure of the thigh?
Where does it drain from and to?
The Deep Vein of the Thigh
Drains blood from thigh muscles using perforating veins
Empties into the distal section of the femoral vein
Where does the femoral vein leave the thigh?
What is it now known as?
Leaves by running underneath the inguinal ligament
External Iliac Vein
What is the gluteal region drained by?
Where do these veins empty?
By inferior and superior gluteal veins
Empty into the internal iliac vein
What is DVT?
How does it clinically present?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of the blood clot within the deep veins of the lower limbs, causing blockage of the vessel.
Causes local pain, swelling and tenderness of the affected limb
What is DVT?
How does it clinically present?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of the blood clot within the deep veins of the lower limbs, causing blockage of the vessel.
Causes local pain, swelling and tenderness of the affected limb
What is the main complication of a DVT?
How does it occur?
Pulmonary Embolism - The thrombus can become dislodged and travel into pulmonary circulation
