Venous Drainage - Lower Limb

Question 1

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer 1

Blood clot within deep veins of lower limbs
Main complication = pulmonary embolism
Deep veins of calf (tibial) -> popliteal vein -> femoral vein -> external iliac vein -> internal iliac vein -> IVC -> RA -> pulmonary artery

Question 2

Great saphenous vein

Answer 2

Formed by dorsal venous arch of foot + dorsal vein of big toe
Drains into the femoral vein immediately inferior to inguinal ligament
Can be harvested in a coronary artery bypass

Question 3

Small saphenous vein

Answer 3

Formed by dorsal venous arch of foot + dorsal vein of little toe
Empties into popliteal vein in popliteal fossa

Question 4

Varicose veins

Answer 4

If valves become incompetent, blood can flow backwards into superficial veins -> inc. intra-luminal pressure -> veins become dilated and torturous
Chronic varicose veins -> pressure in venous system rises -> damages cells causing blood to extrude into skin
Further complications produce brown pigmentation and ulceration of surrounding tissue
Treatment - surgical movement of saphenous system, reconstruction of valves, tying off affected vessels