Answer
**Superficial Dorsal Venous Arch:** The superficial dorsal venous arch is a network of veins located on the dorsal (upper) surface of the foot. It collects deoxygenated blood from the toes and dorsal structures of the foot and acts as a drainage pathway. The veins from the arch eventually converge to form the small saphenous vein and the great saphenous vein.
**Small Saphenous Vein:** The small saphenous vein is a superficial vein that runs along the back of the calf. It begins at the dorsal venous arch and ascends along the back of the leg, eventually emptying into the popliteal vein. The small saphenous vein is important for draining blood from the lower leg and calf.
**Great Saphenous Vein:** The great saphenous vein is one of the longest veins in the body. It begins at the dorsal venous arch on the medial side of the foot, travels along the medial side of the leg, thigh, and groin, and empties into the femoral vein. The great saphenous vein plays a significant role in draining blood from the lower limb.
**Popliteal Vein:** The popliteal vein is located in the popliteal fossa at the back of the knee. It forms as a continuation of the anterior and posterior tibial veins and receives blood from the small saphenous vein. The popliteal vein carries deoxygenated blood from the lower leg and combines with other veins to form larger vessels as it ascends.
These veins are crucial for draining deoxygenated blood from the lower limb and returning it to the heart for oxygenation. The superficial dorsal venous arch, small saphenous vein, great saphenous vein, and popliteal vein are all part of the intricate venous network that supports proper circulation in the lower limb.
Work Step by Step
**Superficial Dorsal Venous Arch:** The superficial dorsal venous arch is a network of veins located on the dorsal (upper) surface of the foot. It collects deoxygenated blood from the toes and dorsal structures of the foot and acts as a drainage pathway. The veins from the arch eventually converge to form the small saphenous vein and the great saphenous vein.
**Small Saphenous Vein:** The small saphenous vein is a superficial vein that runs along the back of the calf. It begins at the dorsal venous arch and ascends along the back of the leg, eventually emptying into the popliteal vein. The small saphenous vein is important for draining blood from the lower leg and calf.
**Great Saphenous Vein:** The great saphenous vein is one of the longest veins in the body. It begins at the dorsal venous arch on the medial side of the foot, travels along the medial side of the leg, thigh, and groin, and empties into the femoral vein. The great saphenous vein plays a significant role in draining blood from the lower limb.
**Popliteal Vein:** The popliteal vein is located in the popliteal fossa at the back of the knee. It forms as a continuation of the anterior and posterior tibial veins and receives blood from the small saphenous vein. The popliteal vein carries deoxygenated blood from the lower leg and combines with other veins to form larger vessels as it ascends.
These veins are crucial for draining deoxygenated blood from the lower limb and returning it to the heart for oxygenation. The superficial dorsal venous arch, small saphenous vein, great saphenous vein, and popliteal vein are all part of the intricate venous network that supports proper circulation in the lower limb.
