Popliteal vein

Vena poplitea

CardiovascularBlood vesselsLegLeft and right

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What it is
Formed at the lower border of popliteus by the venae comitantes of the tibial arteries; it ascends through the popliteal fossa between the popliteal artery and the tibial nerve, receives the small saphenous vein and becomes the femoral vein at the adductor hiatus.
Function
Drains the leg, knee and foot.
Size
~7–10 mm diameter.
Clinical note
A common site of deep vein thrombosis, checked by compression ultrasound behind the knee.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Anterior tibial artery, Deep femoral artery (profunda femoris), Dorsalis pedis artery, Femoral artery, Femoral vein, Great saphenous vein, Plantar arteries, Popliteal artery, Posterior tibial artery, Small saphenous vein