saphenous vein

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. either of two large veins near the surface of the foot, leg, and thigh, one on the inner side and the other on the outer and posterior sides.

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saphenous vein Scientific  

/ sə-fē′nəs /

1. Either of two main superficial veins of the leg, one larger than the other, that begin at the foot. A portion of the larger saphenous vein is often used in surgery for coronary artery bypass graft.

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Etymology

Origin of saphenous vein

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Opening the sciatic vein relieved podagra and elephantiasis; menstrual problems were alleviated by cutting the saphenous vein.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 7, 2019

When she was pregnant with her first child, she liked the “Nile beauty mark” of the saphenous vein running down her inner right calf, rising with her belly.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 22, 2016

The small saphenous vein located on the lateral surface of the leg drains blood from the superficial regions of the lower leg and foot, and flows into to the popliteal vein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Moreover, some superficial veins, such as the great saphenous vein in the femoral region, have no arterial counterpart.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Lower Extremity.—The popliteal glands include one superficial gland at the termination of the small saphenous vein, and several deeper ones in relation to the popliteal vessels.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis