Small saphenous vein
Vena saphena parva
Also known as: short saphenous vein, lesser saphenous vein, SSV
The small saphenous vein is the superficial vein of the back of the calf. It begins behind the lateral malleolus, runs up the midline of the calf and drains into the popliteal vein behind the knee.
Overview
The vein begins at the lateral end of the dorsal venous arch. It passes behind the lateral malleolus together with the sural nerve, then runs up along the lateral border of the calcaneal tendon to the midline of the calf. It pierces the deep fascia, usually in the lower part of the popliteal fossa, and joins the popliteal vein at the saphenopopliteal junction. The level of this junction varies a lot. Sometimes the vein continues upward and connects with the great saphenous vein through the vein of Giacomini.
Function
- Drains the lateral foot and the posterior calf.
Clinical significance
Varicose veins of the calf
Failure of the valve at the saphenopopliteal junction causes varicose veins on the back of the calf. During ablation or surgery, the sural nerve that runs with the vein can be damaged, leaving numbness along the lateral border of the foot.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.