Popliteal vein

Popliteal vein is a vein located in the popliteal fossa, at the back of the knee. It is formed by the union of the anterior tibial vein and the posterior tibial vein. The popliteal vein is responsible for draining blood from the leg and foot, and it becomes the femoral vein as it ascends in the thigh.

Anatomy

The popliteal vein is a deep vein of the lower limb. It begins at the lower border of the popliteus muscle and ends at the opening in the adductor magnus, where it becomes the femoral vein. It is accompanied along its course by the popliteal artery.

Function

The primary function of the popliteal vein is to return deoxygenated blood from the lower leg and foot back to the heart. It does this by carrying blood upwards, against the force of gravity, with the help of valves that prevent backflow.

Clinical significance

The popliteal vein can be affected by various medical conditions. One of the most common is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. This can lead to serious complications if the clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

See also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Popliteal artery
• Femoral vein

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Popliteal_vein

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  Lower limb veins, anterior and posterior view

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  Popliteal vein and surrounding structures

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  Veins of the lower extremity

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  Deep veins of the leg

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  Diagram of leg veins