Tibial vein

Tibial Vein

The tibial veins are located in the lower leg. They are responsible for draining the deep structures of the leg.

The Tibial Vein refers to the veins that drain the tibia, the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. There are two tibial veins: the anterior tibial vein and the posterior tibial vein. These veins are part of the deep venous system of the leg, which is responsible for returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Anatomy

The anterior tibial vein begins at the dorsal foot and travels up the front of the leg, while the posterior tibial vein starts near the plantar foot and moves up the back of the leg. Both veins run parallel to the tibial artery and eventually join to form the popliteal vein behind the knee.

Function

The tibial veins play a crucial role in venous return, the process of returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They carry blood from the lower leg and foot towards the heart for oxygenation.

Clinical significance

Due to their location deep within the leg, the tibial veins can be affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. DVT can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs.

See also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Tibial artery
• Venous return
• Popliteal vein