popliteal vein

Origin

• formed by merging of the anterior tibial vein & posterior tibial vein at the lower border of the popliteus muscle

Course

• it ascends through the popliteal space where it receives the lesser saphenous vein & becomes the femoral vein at the adductor canal.

Clinical significance

• non-compressibility of the popliteal vein on ultrasound is consistent with upper leg deep vein thrombosis

More general terms

• vein

Additional terms

• adductor canal; subsartorial canal; Hunter's canal
• femoral vein
• popliteal vein thrombosis