Dorsal digital veins

Dorsal Digital Veins

Dorsal digital veins of the hand.

The Dorsal Digital Veins are a network of veins located on the dorsal aspect of the fingers and toes. They are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the fingers and toes back to the heart.

Structure

The dorsal digital veins arise from the venous network on the back of the hand and foot. They run along the dorsal aspect of the fingers and toes, following the course of the digital arteries. Each finger and toe has two dorsal digital veins, one on either side, which join at the tip to form a single vein that drains into the dorsal metacarpal veins in the hand, and the dorsal metatarsal veins in the foot.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal digital veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the fingers and toes back to the heart. They also play a role in thermoregulation, as they help to dissipate heat from the extremities.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the dorsal digital veins can lead to conditions such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis. They are also often used for venipuncture in medical procedures.

See also

• Digital arteries
• Dorsal metacarpal veins
• Dorsal metatarsal veins