Small saphenous vein

The small saphenous vein (also known as short saphenous vein, Latin: vena saphena parva) is a superficial vein of the lower leg located beneath the skin. It collects venous blood from superficial tissue in the lateral side of the foot, as well as the lateral and posterior parts of the lower leg.

The small saphenous vein originates in the same way as the great saphenous vein - from the dorsal venous network of the foot, more precisely, from the lateral marginal vein. First, the small saphenous vein ascends along the posterior side of the lower leg together with the sural nerve. Finally, the vein pierces the popliteal fascia and flows into the popliteal vein.