Vessel
Great saphenous vein
Longest vein in the body
High-yield
Passes anterior to the medial malleolus (reliable cut-down/access site) and drains into the femoral vein at the saphenous opening. Harvested for bypass grafts.
Overview
The longest vein in the body, a superficial vein running the length of the medial lower limb from the foot to the femoral vein.
Reference facts
- Type
- Vein (superficial)
- Origin
- Dorsal venous arch of the foot
- Branches / tributaries
- Receives numerous superficial tributaries in the thigh and leg
- Drains
- Drains the superficial medial lower limb into the femoral vein
- Course
- Ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, along the medial leg and thigh, to drain into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction
Clinical correlation
A landmark for venous cut-down at the ankle and a common source of varicose veins and bypass grafts.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the great saphenous vein originate?
The great saphenous vein arises from the dorsal venous arch of the foot.
What does the great saphenous vein drain?
The great saphenous vein drains the superficial medial lower limb into the femoral vein.
What are the tributaries of the great saphenous vein?
Tributaries of the great saphenous vein include the receives numerous superficial tributaries in the thigh and leg.
What is the course of the great saphenous vein?
Ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, along the medial leg and thigh, to drain into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction.