Common femoral vein

Common Femoral Vein

The Common Femoral Vein (labeled as Femoral Vein) in relation to other structures in the thigh. Image from Gray's Anatomy.

The Common Femoral Vein (CFV) is a large vein in the thigh that drains blood from the lower limb. It is a continuation of the popliteal vein and becomes the external iliac vein as it ascends in the thigh.

Anatomy

The Common Femoral Vein is located in the femoral triangle, a region in the upper thigh. It is medial to the common femoral artery and is usually the same diameter. The vein is deep to the fascia lata, a layer of connective tissue in the thigh.

Function

The Common Femoral Vein returns deoxygenated blood from the lower limb to the heart. It receives blood from the deep vein of the thigh and the great saphenous vein, the longest vein in the body.

Clinical Significance

The Common Femoral Vein is often used for access in venous procedures, including venography and venous catheterization. It is also a common site for deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins.

See Also

• Femoral artery
• Femoral triangle
• Deep vein thrombosis