The great saphenous vein drains into which vessel, and through which anatomical structure does it pass just before doing so?

• A Deep femoral vein, through the adductor hiatus
• B Popliteal vein, through the adductor canal
• C External iliac vein, through the femoral ring
• D Femoral vein, through the saphenous opening (fossa ovalis) ✓

Explanation

The great saphenous vein passes anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial leg and thigh, pierces the cribriform fascia over the saphenous opening about 2.5 cm below and lateral to the pubic tubercle, and joins the femoral vein. The short saphenous vein is the one that terminates in the popliteal vein behind the knee, which distinguishes it from this vessel.

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

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