Corpus: Small saphenous vein

The saphenous vein is a superficial vein of the lower extremity, known for its considerable variability.

The saphenous vein originates at the lateral edge of the foot near the 5th toe, from the dorsal venous arch. Some authors refer to its initial segment as the lateral marginal vein. The vein then runs below the lateral malleolus along the lateral aspect of the foot, ascending the back of the lower leg, where it accompanies the sural nerve. It eventually passes between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle and joins the popliteal vein at the level of the knee joint in the popliteal fossa.

The vein has numerous anastomoses with the deep leg veins via the system of perforating veins. It also connects to the great saphenous vein through the Giacomini anastomosis.