View source for Small saphenous vein

{{Infobox Vein |
  Name        = Small saphenous vein |
  Latin       = vena saphena parva |
  GraySubject = 173 |
  GrayPage    = 670 |
  Image       = Gray582.png |
  Caption     = Small saphenous vein and its tributaries. (Small saphenous vein labeled vertically at center.) |
  Image2      = |
  Caption2    = |
  Width       = 145 |
  DrainsFrom  = |
  Source      = [[dorsal venous arch of the foot]] |
  DrainsTo    = [[popliteal vein]] |
  Artery      = |
  MeshName    = |
  MeshNumber  = |
  DorlandsPre = v_05 |
  DorlandsSuf = 12851681  |
}}
{{SI}}
{{CMG}}



The '''small saphenous vein''' (also '''lesser saphenous vein'''), is a relatively large [[vein]] of the superficial posterior [[leg]].  

==Path==
Its origin is where the dorsal vein from the [[fifth digit]] (smallest toe) merges with the [[dorsal venous arch of the foot]], which attaches to the [[great saphenous vein]].  It is a considered a [[superficial vein]] and is [[subcutaneous]] (just under the skin).  

From its origin, it courses around the lateral aspect of the foot (inferior and posterior to the [[lateral malleolus]]) and runs along the posterior aspect of the leg (with the [[sural nerve]]), passes between the heads of the [[gastrocnemius muscle]], and drains into the [[popliteal vein]], approximately at or above the level of the [[knee]] joint.

==See also==
* [[Popliteal fossa]]

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Gray440.png|Cross-section through middle of leg. 
 Image:Gray836.png|Nerves of the dorsum of the foot.
</gallery>

==External links==
* {{GraySubject|157}} - "The Arteries of the Lower Extremity"
* {{Answers.com|small-saphenous-vein}} - Stedman's medical dictionary
* [http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/teaching/part1a/1a_fab/session_2_15.htm Illustration at pdn.cam.ac.uk]
* {{MedicalMnemonics|278|||}}

{{VeinsExtremities}}

[[Category:lower limb anatomy]]
[[Category:Veins]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
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[[fr:veine petite saphène]]