A resident plans to perform a venesection at the ankle in a shocked patient. The vein chosen passes anterior to the medial malleolus. Where does this vein ultimately drain?

• A Into the popliteal vein behind the knee
• B Into the posterior tibial vein at the ankle
• C Directly into the profunda femoris vein
• D Into the femoral vein at the saphenous opening ✓

Explanation

The great saphenous vein passes anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends behind the medial epicondyle of the femur, and pierces the cribriform fascia to drain into the femoral vein at the saphenous opening, about 2.5 cm below and lateral to the pubic tubercle. The small saphenous vein drains into the popliteal vein, which kills option A.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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