Leg and foot Flashcards
(116 cards)
1
Q
What is the popliteal fossa and what is its role?
A
The popliteal fossa is a diamond shaped area located on the posterior aspect of the knee.
- It is the main path by which vessels and nerves pass between the thigh and the leg.
2
Q
What are the borders of the popliteal fossa?
A
- Superomedial border – semimembranosus
- Superolateral border – biceps femoris
- Inferomedial border – medial head of the gastrocnemius
- Inferolateral border – lateral head of the gastrocnemius and plantaris
- The floor of the popliteal fossa is formed by the posterior surface of the knee joint capsule, popliteus muscle and posterior femur.
- The roof is made of up two layers: popliteal fascia and skin. The popliteal fascia is continuous with the fascia lata of the leg.
3
Q
What are the contents of the popliteal fossa?
A
The popliteal fossa is the main conduit for neurovascular structures entering and leaving the leg. Its contents are (medial to lateral):
- Popliteal artery
- Popliteal vein
- Tibial nerve
- Common fibular nerve (common peroneal nerve)
4
Q
What are the most superficial contents of the popliteal fossa?
A
Tibial and common fibular nerves (from the sciatic)
5
Q
The common fibular nerve follows which route?
A
Follows the biceps femoris tendon, travelling along the lateral margin of the popliteal fossa
6
Q
The small saphenous vein pierces the popliteal fossa and passes between the two heads of the gastrocnemius to empty into the…
A
Popliteal vein
7
Q
What is the deepest structure in the popliteal fossa?
A
The popliteal artery
8
Q
What is the tarsal tunnel and what is its role?
A
- The tarsal tunnel is a fibro-osseous space located on the posteromedial aspect of the ankle.
- It acts as a passageway for tendons, nerves and vessels to travel between the posterior leg and the foot.
9
Q
What are the borders of the tarsal tunnel?
A
- The tarsal tunnel is formed by a bony floor and connective tissue roof.
- The floor is a concave surface formed by the medial aspect of the tibia, talus and calcaneus.
- It is converted into a tunnel by the flexor retinaculum, which spans obliquely between the medial malleolus and the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to form the roof. The flexor retinaculum is continuous with the deep fascia of the leg and foot.
10
Q
What are the contents of the tarsal tunnel?
A
- The tarsal tunnel acts as a passageway for tendons, nerves and vessels to travel between the posterior leg and the foot. Its contents (anterior to posterior) are: • Tibialis posterior tendon • Flexor digitorum longus tendon • Posterior tibial artery and vein • Tibial nerve • Flexor hallucis longus tendon
• The mnemonic Tom, Dick and a Very Nervous Harry can be used to aid recall of these structures.
11
Q
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome? Signs/symptoms and management?
A
It refers to the entrapment and compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel.
- Patients experience altered sensation in the sensory distribution of the tibial nerve – the sole of the foot
- The motor function of the nerve can also be affected in severe disease, causing weakness and wasting of the intrinsic foot muscles
- Management can be conservative (physio, NSAIDs, corticosteroids) or surgical (tarsal tunnel release = cutting through the flexor retinaculum to decompress the tunnel)
12
Q
What are the different landmarks of the PROXIMAL tibia?
A
- Tibial tuberosity
- Medial and lateral condyles
- Intercondylar tubercles - this is the main area for attachment of ligaments and menisci of the knee joint
- Soleal line
13
Q
What are the landmarks of the DISTAL tibia?
A
- The distal end widens to assist with weight-bearing
- The medial malleolus is a bony projection continuing inferiorly on the medial aspect of the tibia, it articulates with the tarsal bones to form part of the ankle joint
- Laterally is the fibular notch, where the fibula is bound to the tibia – forming the tibiofibular joint
14
Q
What is the fibula and what is its main function?
A
- The fibula is a bone located within the lateral aspect of the leg, its main function is to act as an attachment for muscles, and not as a weight-bearer.
15
Q
What are the 3 main articulations of the fibula?
A
- Proximal tibiofibular joint
- Distal tibiofibular joint
- Ankle joint – articulates with the talus bone of the foot
16
Q
On the posterior and lateral surface of the fibular neck, which nerve can be found?
A
Common fibular
17
Q
What are the proximal tarsal bones?
A
Calcaneus (largest tarsal bone and lies underneath the talus where it constitutes the heel)
Talus (most superior of the tarsal bones & transmits the weight of the entire body to the foot - HIGH RISK OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS AS THE VASCULAR SUPPLY IS DEPENDENT ON FASCIAL STRUCTURES)
18
Q
What are the bones of the midfoot (intermediate group)
A
Navicular bone
- On the plantar surface, there is a tuberosity for the attachment of part of the tibialis posterior tendon
19
Q
What are the distal bones of the midfoot?
A
Cuboid
3x Cuneiforms
- They articulate with the metatarsals
- Cuboid is the farthest lateral, anterior to the calcaneus and behind the 4th and 5th metatarsals
20
Q
How are the metatarsals numbered?
A
- They are numbered I-V (medial to lateral)
21
Q
What are the different muscles found in the anterior compartment of the leg?
A
Tibialis anterior
Extensor digitorum longus
Extensor hallucis longus
Fibularis tertius
22
Q
What is the role of the muscles in the anterior leg compartment?
A
Dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot at the ankle joint
- Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus also extend the toes
23
Q
The muscles in the anterior leg compartment are innervated by which nerve and artery?
A
Deep fibular nerve L4-S1
Anterior tibial artery
24
Q
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the tibialis anterior?
A
- Attachments: Originates from the lateral surface of the tibia, attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of metatarsal I.
- Actions: Dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve
25
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the extensor digitorum longus?
- Attachments: Originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia and the medial surface of the fibula. The fibres converge into a tendon, which travels to the dorsal surface of the foot. The tendon splits into four, each inserting onto a toe.
- Actions: Extension of the lateral four toes, and dorsiflexion of the foot.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve.
26
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of extensor hallucis longus?
- Attachments: Originates from the medial surface of the fibular shaft. The tendon crosses anterior to the ankle joint and attaches to the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe.
- Action: Extension of the great toe and dorsiflexion of the foot.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve.
27
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the fibularis tertius?
- Attachments: Originates with the extensor digitorum longus from the medial surface of the fibula. The tendon descends with the EDL, until they reach the dorsal surface of the foot. The fibularis tertius tendon then diverges and attaches to metatarsal V.
- Actions: Eversion and dorsiflexion of the foot.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve.
28
What is foot drop? Which nerve is damaged? What is the clinical manifestation of this?
- Footdrop is a clinical sign indicating paralysis of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the left leg
- Occurs as a consequence of damage to the common fibular (peroneal) nerve – from which the deep fibular nerve arises
- You get permanent plantarflexion, the limb can drag along the ground
29
What are the muscles found in the lateral compartment of the leg?
Fibularis longus
| Fibularis brevis
30
What is the role of the muscles of the lateral leg compartment?
Eversion of the foot
31
Which nerve innervates the muscles of the lateral leg compartment?
Superficial fibular nerve
32
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the fibularis longus?
- Attachments
The fibularis longus originates from the superior and lateral surface of the fibula and the lateral tibial condyle.
The fibres converge into a tendon, which descends into the foot, posterior to the lateral malleolus.
The tendon crosses under the foot, and attaches to the bones on the medial side, namely the medial cuneiform and base of metatarsal I.
- Actions: Eversion and plantarflexion of the foot. Also supports the lateral and transverse arches of the foot.
- Innervation: Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve, L4-S1.
33
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the fibularis brevis?
- Attachments:
Originates from the inferolateral surface of the fibular shaft. The muscle belly forms a tendon, which descends with the fibularis longus into the foot.
It travels posteriorly to the lateral malleolus, passing over the calcaneus and the cuboidal bones.
The tendon then attaches to a tubercle on metatarsal V.
- Actions: Eversion of the foot.
- Innervation: Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve, L4-S1.
34
What is the clinical relevance of fibularis longus?
- It is an anatomical network for locating the common fibular nerve
- There is a small space between the parts of the fibularis longus that originate from the head of the fibula, and the neck of the fibula. The CFN passes through this gap and is easily identified.
- After passing through this gap, the nerve terminates by bifurcating into two terminal branches: the deep and superficial fibular nerve
35
The posterior compartment of the leg contains 7 muscles, organised into superficial and deep, what separates these two layers?
A band of fascia
36
What is the role of the muscles in the posterior leg compartment?
Plantarflexion and inversion of the foot
37
Which nerve innervates the muscles of the posterior leg compartment?
Tibial nerve, a terminal branch of the sciatic nerve
38
The superficial muscles of the posterior leg form the
| 'calf' shape, where do they insert into?
The calcaneus of the foot via the calcaneal tendon
39
The calcaneal reflex tests which spinal roots?
S1-S2
40
To minimise friction during movement, what is found associated with the calcaneal tendon?
Two bursae
1. Subcutaneous calcaneal bursa - between the skin and the calcaneal tendon
2. Deep bursa of the calcaneal tendon - between the tendon and the calcaneus
41
What are the superficial muscles of the posterior leg compartment?
Gastrocnemius - medial and lateral head
Soleus
Plantaris
42
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the gastrocnemius?
- Attachments: The lateral head originates from the lateral femoral condyle, and medial head from the medial femoral condyle. The fibres converge, and form a single muscle belly. In the lower part of the leg, the muscle belly combines with the soleus to from the calcaneal tendon, with inserts onto the calcaneus (the heel bone).
- Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
43
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the plantaris muscle?
- Attachments: Originates from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur. The muscle descends medially, condensing into a tendon that runs down the leg, between the gastrocnemius and soleus. The tendon blends with the calcaneal tendon.
- Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there. It is not a vital muscle for these movements.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
44
The plantaris muscle is a small muscle with a long tendon, and therefore it can be mistaken for a nerve as it descends down the leg. It is absent in what percentage of people?
10%
45
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the soleus?
- Attachments: Originates from the soleal line of the tibia and proximal fibular area. The muscle narrows in the lower part of the leg, and joins the calcaneal tendon.
- Actions: Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint.
- Innervation: Tibial Nerve
46
Which people are more likely to suffer from a ruptured calcaneal tendon?
Those with a history of calcaneal tendinitis
47
When is a ruptured calcaneal tendon usually sustained? What effect does this have on the patient?
During forceful plantarflexion of the foot
- The patient will be unable to plantarflex the foot against resistance, and the affected foot will be permanently dorsiflexed
48
What are the different muscles found in the deep compartment of the posterior leg?
Popliteus - acts only on the knee joint
Tibialis posterior - act on the ankle and foot
Flexor hallucis longus - act on the ankle and foot
Flexor digitorum longus - act on the ankle and foot
49
What lies between the popliteal tendon and the posterior surface of the knee joint?
The popliteus bursa
50
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the popliteus?
- Attachments: Originates from the lateral condyle of the femur and the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. From there, it runs inferomedially towards the tibia and inserts above the origin of the soleus muscle.
- Actions: Laterally rotates the femur on the tibia – ‘unlocking’ the knee joint so that flexion can occur.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
51
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the tibialis posterior?
- This is the deepest out of the four muscles, lying between the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus
- Attachments: Originates from the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula, and posterior surfaces of the two bones. The tendon enters the foot posterior to the medial malleolus, and attaches to the plantar surfaces of the medial tarsal bones.
- Actions: Inverts and plantarflexes the foot, maintains the medial arch of the foot.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
52
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of flexor digitorum longus?
- Atachments: Originates from the medial surface of the tibia, attaches to the plantar surfaces of the lateral four digits.
- Actions: Flexes the lateral four toes.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
53
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of flexor hallucis longus?
The flexor hallucis longus muscle is found on the lateral side of leg. This is slightly counter-intuitive, as it is opposite the great toe, which it acts on.
- Attachments: Originates from the posterior surface of the fibula, attaches to the plantar surface of the phalanx of the great toe.
- Actions: Flexes the great toe.
- Innervation: Tibial nerve.
54
What is the difference between the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the foot?
Extrinsic muscles arise from the anterior, posterior and lateral compartments of the leg, and are mainly responsible for actions such as eversion, inversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion of the foot
The intrinsic muscles are located within the foot and are responsible for the fine motor actions of the foot, for example movement of individual digits.
55
What are the intrinsic muscles found in the dorsal aspect of the foot?
Extensor digitorum brevis
| Extensor hallucis brevis
56
What is the role of the intrinsic muscles found in the dorsal aspect of the foot?
Assisting some of the extrinsic muscles with their actions
57
Which nerve innervates the intrinsic muscles in the dorsal aspect of the foot?
Deep fibular nerve
58
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the extensor digitorum brevis?
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle lies deep to the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus.
- Attachments: Originates from the calcaneus, the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament and the inferior extensor retinaculum. It attaches to proximal phalanx of the great toe and the long extensor tendons of toes 2-4.
- Actions: Aids the extensor digitorum longus in extending the medial four toes at the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve.
59
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the extensor hallucis brevis?
The extensor hallucis brevis muscle is medial to extensor digitorum longus and lateral to extensor hallucis longus.
- Attachments: Originates from the calcaneus, the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament and the inferior extensor retinaculum. It attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
- Actions: Aids the extensor hallucis longus in extending the great toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
- Innervation: Deep fibular nerve.
60
There are 10 intrinsic muscles located in the sole of the foot, what is their role? Which nerves innervate them?
Stabilise the arches of the foot
Control movement of the digits
- Medial plantar nerve (branch of tibial nerve)
- Lateral plantar nerve (branch of tibial nerve)
61
The muscles of the plantar aspect of the foot are described in how many layers?
FOUR
- 1 being most superficial
- 4 being most deep
62
The first layer of the plantar aspect of the foot is located immediately underneath what?
Plantar fascia
63
What are the muscles found within the first layer of the plantar aspect of the foot?
Abductor hallucis
Flexor digitorum brevis
Abductor digiti minimi
64
NOTE SLIDE:
Remember the muscles in the FIRST LAYER (only) of the foot as the 'Griezmann Hotline Bling' celebration where the action of the muscles supplying the big toe and little toe are the ABDUCTORS (abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi) and the muscle supplying the 3 middle toes is the FLEXOR (flexor digitorum brevis)
65
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the abductor hallucis?
* Attachments: Originates from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus, the flexor retinaculum and the plantar aponeurosis. It attaches to the medial base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
* Actions: Abducts and flexes the great toe.
* Innervation: Medial plantar nerve.
66
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the flexor digitorum brevis?
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle is located laterally to the abductor hallucis. It sits in the centre of the sole, sandwiched between the plantar aponeurosis and the tendons of flexor digitorum longus.
* Attachments: Originates from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus and the plantar aponeurosis. It attaches to the middle phalanges of the lateral four digits.
* Actions: Flexes the lateral four digits at the proximal interphalangeal joints.
* Innervation: Medial plantar nerve.
67
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the abductor digiti minimi?
* Attachments: Originates from the medial and lateral tubercles of the calcaneus and the plantar aponeurosis. It attaches to the lateral base of the proximal phalanx of the 5th digit.
* Actions: Abducts and flexes the 5th digit.
* Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve.
68
What are the muscles found within the second layer of the plantar aspect of the foot? (2/4)
Quadratus plantae
Lumbricals
- The tendons of the flexor digitorum longus (extrinsic muscle of the foot) pass through this layer
69
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the quadratus plantae?
The quadratus plantae muscle is located superior to the flexor digitorum longus tendons. It is separated from the first layer of muscles by the lateral plantar vessels and nerve.
* Attachments: Originates from the medial and lateral plantar surface of the calcaneus. It attaches to the tendons of flexor digitorum longus.
* Actions: Assists flexor digitorum longus in flexing the lateral four digits.
* Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve.
70
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the lumbricals?
There are four lumbrical muscles in the foot. They are each located medial to their respective tendon of the flexor digitorum longus.
* Attachments: Originates from the tendons of flexor digitorum longus. Attaches to the extensor hoods of the lateral four digits.
* Actions: Flexes at the metatarsophalangeal joints, while extending the interphalangeal joints.
* Innervation: The most medial lumbrical is innervated by the medial plantar nerve. The remaining three are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve.
71
What are the muscles found within the third layer of the plantar aspect of the foot? (3/4)
Flexor hallucis brevis
Adductor hallucis
Flexor digiti minimi brevis
72
NOTE SLIDE:
Remember the muscles in the THIRD LAYER (only) of the foot as the 'Griezmann Hotline Bling' celebration where the action of the muscles supplying the big toe and little toe are the FLEXORS (flexor hallucis brevis and flexor digiti minimi brevis) and the remaining muscle is an ADDUCTOR (adductor hallucis)
73
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the flexor hallucis brevis?
* Attachments: Originates from the plantar surfaces of the cuboid and lateral cuneiforms, and from the tendon of the posterior tibialis tendon. Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
* Actions: Flexes the proximal phalanx of the great toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
* Innervation: Medial plantar nerve.
74
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the adductor hallucis?
The adductor hallucis muscle is located laterally to the flexor hallucis brevis. It consists of an oblique and transverse head.
* Attachments: The oblique head originates from the bases of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The transverse head originates from the plantar ligaments of the metatarsophalangeal joints. Both heads attach to the lateral base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
* Actions: Adduct the great toe. Assists in forming the transverse arch of the foot.
* Innervation: Deep branch of lateral plantar nerve
75
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the flexor digiti minimi brevis?
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle is located on the lateral side of the foot, underneath the metatarsal of the little toe. It resembles the interossei in structure.
* Attachments: Originates from the base of the fifth metatarsal. Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit.
* Actions: Flexes the proximal phalanx of the fifth digit.
* Innervation: Superficial branch of lateral plantar nerve.
76
What are muscles found within the fourth layer of the plantar aspect of the foot?
- Plantar interossei - UNIPENNATE
| - Dorsal interossei - BIPENNATE
77
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the plantar interossei?
There are three plantar interossei, which are located between the metatarsals. Each arises from a single metatarsal.
* Attachments: Originates from the medial side of metatarsals three to five. Attaches to the medial sides of the phalanges of digits three to five.
* Actions: Adduct digits three to five and flex the metatarsophalangeal joints.
* Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve.
78
What is the origin & attachment, action and innervation of the dorsal interossei?
There are four dorsal interossei, which are located between the metatarsals. Each arises from two metatarsals.
* Attachments: Originates from the sides of metatarsals one to five. The first muscle attaches to the medial side of the proximal phalanx of the second digit. The second to fourth interossei attach to the lateral sides of the proximal phalanxes of digits two to four.
* Actions: Abduct digits two to four and flex the metatarsophalangeal joints.
* Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve.
79
What is the alternative name for the ankle joint?
Talocrural joint
80
The ankle joint is which type of joint?
Synovial
| Hinge
81
Which bones make up the ankle joint?
Tibia
Fibula
Talus
82
The ankle joint permits which actions of the foot?
Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
83
The tibia and fibula are bound by what?
Tibiofibular ligaments
84
The tibia and fibular form a bracket shaped socket, covered in hyaline cartilage. This socket is known as what?
A mortise
85
What are the two main sets of ligaments which originate from each malleolus?
Medial ligament (deltoid ligament)
Lateral ligament
86
The medial ligament is attached to the ... ... and consists of four ligaments which attach to the ... , ... and ... bones
The medial ligament is attached to the medial malleolus and consists of four ligaments which attach to the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones
87
The primary action of the medial ligament is to?
Resist over-eversion of the foot
88
The primary action of the lateral ligament is to?
Resist over-inversion of the foot
89
The lateral ligament is comprised of which ligaments?
Anterior talofibular ligament - spans between the lateral malleolus and the lateral aspect of the talus
Posterior talofibular ligament - spans between the lateral malleolus and the posterior aspect of the talus
Calcaneofibular - spans between the lateral malleolus and the calcaneus
90
The subtalar joint is an articulation between which bones?
The talus and calcaneus
91
The subtalar joint is which type of joint?
A synovial joint
92
The subtalar joint is the chief site within the foot for generation of which movements?
Eversion and inversion
93
The foot has three arches, what are they?
two longitudinal (medial and lateral) arches and one anterior transverse arch. They are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and supported by ligaments and tendons in the foot.
94
The shape of the arches of the foot allow them to do what?
Their shape allows them to act in the same way as a spring, bearing the weight of the body and absorbing the shock produced during locomotion. The flexibility conferred to the foot by these arches facilitates functions such as walking and running.
95
What is a common way to release symptoms of plantar fascitis?
Roll a tennis ball under your foot backwards and forwards
96
What is Pes Cavus? Symptoms? Causes?
Pes Cavus (high arches). Unusually high medial longitudinal arch. Places increased degree of stress on the ball and heel of the foot.
Symptoms: pain in foot radiating to ankle, leg, thigh and hip.
Can be caused by congenital foot problem i.e. club foot or neuromuscular damage such as poliomyelitis
97
Fracture to which bones is commonly known as 'The Lover's Fracture'?
Calcaneus
| - High velocity blow to the foot after jumping
98
What is the medical term for a bunion?
Hallux valgus
99
What is the arterial supply to the knee joint?
Genicular branches of the popliteal artery
100
The popliteal artery divides into?
The anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk
101
The tibioperoneal trunk bifurcates into which arteries?
The posterior tibial
| Fibular (peroneal) arteries
102
The anterior tibial artery becomes which artery?
Dorsalis pedis
103
The arterial supply to the foot is delivered via which arteries?
Dorsalis pedis
| Posterior tibial
104
The dorsalis pedis artery anastomoses with which artery to form what?
The lateral plantar artery to form the deep plantar arch
105
Dorsalis pedis artery supplies what?
The tarsal bones and the dorsal aspect of the metatarsals
| - Also contributes to the supply of the toes via the deep plantar arch
106
The posterior tibial artery enters the sole of the foot through the tarsal tunnel and then what happens to it?
It splits into the lateral and medial plantar arteries
107
The lateral and medial plantar arteries supply what?
The plantar side of the foot and also contributes to the supply of the toes via the deep plantar arch
108
What is the main venous structure of the foot?
Dorsal venous arch
109
What are the main veins of the thigh?
Femoral vein
| Deep vein of the thigh (profunda femoris vein)
110
What is the role of the deep vein of the thigh?
Via perforating veins, it drains blood from the thigh muscles, it then empties into a distal section of the femoral vein
111
The femoral vein leaves the thigh by running underneath what? What is it now referred to as?
Runs underneath the inguinal ligament and is now referred to as the external iliac vein
112
The gluteal region is drained by which veins? Where do these veins drain into?
Superior and inferior gluteal veins which empty into the internal iliac vein
113
What are the superficial veins of the lower limb?
The great saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein
114
The great saphenous vein is formed by what? Where does it travel to and where does it drain into?
The great saphenous vein is formed by the dorsal venous arch of the foot, and the dorsal vein of the great toe.
It ascends up the medial side of the leg, passing anteriorly to the medial malleolus at the ankle, and posteriorly to the medial condyle at the knee.
The great saphenous vein terminates by draining into the femoral vein immediately inferior to the inguinal ligament.
115
How can the great saphenous vein be useful surgically?
Surgically, the great saphenous vein can be harvested and used as a vessel in coronary artery bypasses.
116
What is the small saphenous vein formed by? Where does it travel towards and where does it drain into?
The small saphenous vein is formed by the dorsal venous arch of the foot, and the dorsal vein of the little toe.
It moves up the posterior side of the leg, passing posteriorly to the lateral malleolus, along the lateral border of the calcaneal tendon.
It moves between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle and empties into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa
