Small saphenous vein

Vena saphena parva

CardiovascularBlood vesselsLegLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is
Begins at the lateral end of the dorsal venous arch, passes behind the lateral malleolus with the sural nerve, ascends the middle of the back of the calf and pierces the deep fascia to drain into the popliteal vein behind the knee.
Function
Drains the lateral foot and the back of the leg.
Size
~2–4 mm diameter.
Clinical note
Its close companion, the sural nerve, can be injured when it is stripped for varicose veins.

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, Popliteal vein, Posterior tibial artery