Vena poplitea

Vena Poplitea is a vein located in the popliteal fossa, at the back of the knee. It is formed by the union of the anterior tibial vein and the posterior tibial vein. The vena poplitea is a continuation of the femoral vein and becomes the popliteal vein as it passes through the adductor hiatus to the popliteal fossa. It drains the knee joint, muscles and skin behind the knee and lower leg.

Anatomy

The vena poplitea is a deep vein that is accompanied by the popliteal artery, but unlike the artery, the vein is located superficially. The vein is formed by the confluence of the anterior and posterior tibial veins at the lower border of the popliteus muscle. It then ascends through the popliteal fossa to become the femoral vein as it passes through the adductor hiatus.

Function

The primary function of the vena poplitea is to drain deoxygenated blood and waste products from the structures in the knee joint, the muscles and skin of the back of the knee and the lower leg. It also plays a crucial role in the venous return from the lower limb to the heart.

Clinical significance

The vena poplitea can be affected by several conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), popliteal vein aneurysm and varicose veins. DVT in the vena poplitea can lead to pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.

See also

• Veins of the lower limb
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Popliteal artery