In this note, we will consider the anatomy, areas of venous drainage and anastomoses of the deep vein of the thigh.

The deep vein of the thigh (v. profunda femoris) is a large vein of the lower limb,

which inserts into the femoral vein (v. femoralis) below the level of the inguinal ligament.

It has a valve in its wall. Despite the fact that this vein is short, it provides the greatest venous outflow from the femoral region.

The deep vein of the thigh has several tributaries. Unlike the arteries of the same name, they are rarely described, but they play an important role in the circulatory system of the lower limb.

1. The medial circumflex femoral vein (v. circumflexa femoris medialis) arises from the muscles of the thigh, gluteal muscles, and iliopsoas region, as well as the hip joint. Then it circumflexes the neck of the thigh and inserts into the deep vein of the thigh.

   

   

2. The lateral circumflex femoral vein (v. circumflexa femoris lateralis) arises from the muscles of the thigh, gluteal muscles and the tensor of the fascia lata.

   

   

3. The vena comitans of the descending genicular artery (v. comitans arteriae descendentis genicularis) receives venous blood from the knee joint area.

   

4. The perforating veins of the thigh (vv. perforantes) communicate the deep vein of the thigh with the superficial veins.

Dictionary

The deep femoral vein

Deep vein of the thigh

v. profunda femoris

Medial circumflex femoral vein

v. circumflexa femoris medialis

Lateral circumflex femoral vein

v. circumflexa femoralis lateralis

Vein to the descending artery

v. comitans arteriaedescendens genicularis

Perforanting veins of the thigh

vv. perforantes