Vessels of the lower limb

Question 1

Demonstrate palpation of the dorsalis pedis pulse of the lower limb and describe its rate.

Answer 1

Palpate just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon. Ask the patient to flex their toes to see the tendon.

Question 2

Demonstrate palpation of the tibialis posterior pulse and describe its rate.

Answer 2

Palpate just behind the medial malleolus.

Question 3

What is the path of the long saphenous vein?

Answer 3

Runs upwards 2cm in front of the medial malleolus, along the medial side of the leg, a hand’s width along the medial side of the patella, and along the medial side of the thigh to the saphenous opening in the inguinal region.

Question 4

What is the path of the short saphenous vein?

Answer 4

Runs posterior to the lateral malleolus and up the back of the calf from the lateral aspect of the dorsal venous arch of the foot to join the deep venous system in the popliteal fossa, draining into the popliteal vein.
It connects freely with the long saphenous vein and via perforating veins and valves to the deep veins of the calf.