What are the main superficial veins of the leg and foot?

The main superficial veins include the dorsal venous arch on the foot, which connects to the great saphenous vein (ascending medially) and the small saphenous vein (ascending laterally). These veins drain blood from the dorsal digital veins of the toes.

How does the great saphenous vein run in the leg?

The great saphenous vein starts at the medial end of the dorsal venous arch and ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, continuing along the medial tibial border up to the knee. It is accompanied by the saphenous nerve.

What nerves provide sensory innervation to the anterior leg and dorsum of the foot?

Sensory innervation comes from several nerves: the saphenous nerve (medial leg and foot), superficial peroneal nerve (lower lateral leg and most of the foot dorsum), lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf (lateral upper leg), and others for areas like the knee and toes.

What is the role of the superficial peroneal nerve in leg innervation?

The superficial peroneal nerve supplies the lower third of the lateral leg and most of the dorsum of the foot. It divides into medial and lateral branches, with exceptions like the first interdigital cleft (deep peroneal nerve) and foot margins (sural and saphenous nerves).

Where does the small saphenous vein originate and travel?

The small saphenous vein originates at the lateral end of the dorsal venous arch, formed by the dorsal digital vein of the little toe. It ascends posterior to the lateral malleolus in the posterior leg, accompanied by the sural nerve.

Which nerves innervate the skin around the knee and medial leg?

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve supplies the skin over the ligamentum patellae near the knee. The saphenous nerve itself innervates the medial leg and medial border of the foot up to the great toe.

Superficial Fascia of Leg – Veins & Cutaneous Nerves