Glosaurus
Human Anatomy

Great saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, running down the length of the leg.
The great saphenous vein is a major superficial vein located in the lower limb. It originates from the medial side of the foot, travels up the inner aspect of the leg and thigh, and drains into the femoral vein. This vein is notable for its length and the extensive network of tributaries that accompany it, collecting blood from the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Terminologia Anatomica
vena saphena magna
System
Circulatory system
Function
The primary function of the great saphenous vein is to return deoxygenated blood from the lower leg and thigh back to the heart. As blood circulates through the body, it loses oxygen and picks up carbon dioxide and other waste products. The great saphenous vein facilitates this return journey by serving as a pathway for blood, working alongside a network of perforating veins that connect it to deeper venous structures. This vein also plays a role in maintaining venous pressure and preventing backflow, aided by the presence of one-way valves positioned along its length. In addition, it can be used medically for grafting procedures in bypass surgery due to its accessibility and size, demonstrating its importance beyond mere circulation.
Location
The great saphenous vein is positioned superficially in the lower limb. It starts at the dorsal venous arch of the foot on the medial side, ascends along the inner ankle, and travels up the medial aspect of the leg. As it approaches the knee, it continues its course upwards along the inner thigh, passing behind the knee and extending toward the groin. At the femoral triangle, it perforates the deep fascia and empties into the femoral vein, which is located deep to the sartorius muscle. Its accessibility and proximity to the skin surface make it a common site for medical intervention.
Did You Know?
  • The great saphenous vein can be up to 50 centimeters long.
  • This vein is often harvested for surgical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • Varicose veins are a common condition associated with the great saphenous vein, resulting from weakened valves that cause blood to pool.
  • In some individuals, the great saphenous vein may vary in location and may not follow the typical route, showcasing anatomical diversity.