Dorsal metatarsal vein

Dorsal Metatarsal Vein

Dorsal metatarsal veins (shown in red) in relation to other veins of the foot. Image adapted from Gray's Anatomy.

The Dorsal Metatarsal Vein is a vein located in the foot. It is part of the venous system that drains blood from the metatarsal bones and associated structures.

Anatomy

The dorsal metatarsal veins originate from the dorsal digital veins of the toes. They run proximally along the dorsum of the foot, draining into the dorsal venous arch of the foot. This arch is a major superficial vein that collects blood from the dorsal aspect of the foot.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal metatarsal vein is to return deoxygenated blood from the metatarsal bones and associated structures back to the heart. This is part of the body's overall circulatory system.

Clinical significance

Understanding the anatomy of the dorsal metatarsal vein is important in a variety of medical procedures, including venipuncture, surgery, and the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and other vascular diseases.

See also

• Dorsal venous arch
• Metatarsal bones
• Venous system
• Circulatory system