The term "saphenous" refers to a critical system of blood vessels and a nerve in the lower limbs. This system is comprised of two major veins and a significant sensory nerve. Understanding the specific location and function of each component is vital for recognizing common health issues like varicose veins and nerve-related discomfort.
The Great and Small Saphenous Veins
Together, the great and small saphenous veins form the primary superficial venous system of the legs. Superficial veins are located close to the skin's surface, unlike deep veins, which are situated deeper within muscle tissue. The saphenous veins collect deoxygenated blood from smaller veins in the feet and legs, transporting it toward the deeper veins to be returned to the heart.
The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV)
The great saphenous vein (GSV) is the body's longest vein, running along the inner side of the leg from the foot to the groin. It starts on the top of the foot at the medial end of the dorsal venous arch, travels in front of the inner ankle bone, and ascends along the inner leg and thigh. The GSV terminates in the upper thigh, draining into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction. Due to its location, it is often used for grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery and is prone to varicose veins.
The Small Saphenous Vein (SSV)
The small saphenous vein (SSV) is located along the back of the calf. It originates from the lateral end of the dorsal venous arch on the foot, passes behind the outer ankle bone, and ascends along the posterior calf. The SSV typically drains into the popliteal vein behind the knee. The sural nerve runs near the SSV, which is important during surgical procedures.
The Location of the Saphenous Nerve
The saphenous nerve is a sensory nerve, not a blood vessel. It is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve, starting in the upper thigh. It travels through the adductor canal and then descends with the great saphenous vein along the inner leg. This nerve provides sensation to the skin on the inner side of the leg and foot down to the ankle and has no motor function. Because of its proximity to the great saphenous vein, it is susceptible to injury during procedures like vein stripping, potentially causing pain or numbness.
Comparison of Saphenous Structures
| Feature | Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) | Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) | Saphenous Nerve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Inner side of leg, from foot to groin | Back of calf, from foot to knee | Runs with GSV along inner leg |
| Function | Returns deoxygenated blood to heart | Returns deoxygenated blood to heart | Provides sensory innervation to inner leg and foot |
| Associated Nerve | Accompanied by the saphenous nerve | Accompanied by the sural nerve | Arises from the femoral nerve |
| Health Issues | Prone to varicose veins, CVI | Can develop varicose veins, thrombophlebitis | Entrapment or damage can cause numbness or pain |
Conclusion
Understanding where is saphenous located is a matter of knowing the anatomy of the two main superficial veins and the sensory nerve in the leg. The great saphenous vein runs up the inner leg, while the small saphenous vein traverses the back of the calf. The saphenous nerve accompanies the great saphenous vein, providing sensation to the inner leg and foot. All these structures are vital components of the lower limb's circulatory and nervous systems and are susceptible to various health conditions.
For more information on venous diseases and treatments, you can consult authoritative medical resources like the Cleveland Clinic.(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23946-saphenous-vein)
