Superficial femoral vein

Anatomy

Course
The popliteal vein becomes known as the femoral vein after the adductor canal. It runs superiorly until it ends at the inferiorly to the inguinal ligament, where it then drains into the external iliac vein.

Properly known as the femoral vein, though used by some specialists (e.g. radiologists) to differentiate the femoral vein before the deep femoral vein joins it.

Technically considered a deep vein, despite its name.

Drain

Drains the lower limb.

Clinical

Possible site for deep vein thromboses. Occlusion can be fatal.

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