Vein · Limbs
Saphenous Vein
The great saphenous vein is the longest vein in the body, running up the inside of the leg. It is often affected by varicose veins and is sometimes used in heart bypass surgery.
What it is
The great saphenous vein is a long surface vein running from the foot up the inner leg to the groin.
Where it runs
Just under the skin on the inner side of the leg, from ankle to groin.
What it does
Returns blood from the surface tissues of the leg back towards the heart, helped by one-way valves.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the saphenous vein
- Varicose veins (from failing valves)
- Used as a graft in coronary bypass surgery
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, sudden breathlessness, or stroke symptoms (FAST) are emergencies — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
A section of the saphenous vein is often used as the "bypass" graft in heart surgery, rerouting blood around a blocked coronary artery.
Answers
Saphenous Vein: frequently asked questions
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves in leg veins (often the saphenous vein) weaken, letting blood pool and the veins bulge. They are common and often harmless, but troublesome ones can be treated.
Related vessels
Other vein
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Blood and the circulatory system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- British Heart Foundation — how the heart works
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