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    Related Topics

    From Cardiovascular System

    Brachiocephalic Trunk
    First major branch off the aortic arch.
    Popliteal Arteries
    Continuation of femoral arteries behind the knee.
    Right Pulmonary Artery
    Carries blood to right lung.
    Left Ventricle
    Pumps oxygenated blood into systemic circulation.
    Left Subclavian Artery
    Supplies the left upper limb.
    Parietal Layer
    Lines the internal surface of the fibrous pericardium.
    Axillary Arteries
    Continuation of subclavian arteries into the armpit.
    Posterior Interventricular Branch
    Supplies posterior interventricular septum.
    Right Superior Pulmonary Vein
    Returns oxygenated blood from right lung.
    Subclavian Arteries
    Supply blood to the arms and part of the brain.
    Radial Arteries
    Supply the lateral aspect of the forearm and hand.
    Abdominal Aorta
    Part of descending aorta within the abdomen.
    Auricles
    Small muscular pouches of each atrium.
    Internal Iliac Veins
    Drain pelvic organs.
    Internal Jugular Veins
    Drain blood from the brain and deep structures of the head.
    Axillary Veins
    Drain the upper limbs and join with subclavian veins.
    Ascending Aorta
    Initial portion of the aorta emerging from the heart.
    Anterior Cardiac Veins
    Drain directly into the right atrium.
    Femoral Arteries
    Main arteries supplying the thighs.
    Circumflex Branch
    Curves around to the posterior heart.
    Small Cardiac Vein
    Drains right atrium and ventricle.
    Pulmonary Trunk
    Carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs.
    Cephalic Veins
    Superficial veins of the lateral upper limb.
    Marginal Branch
    Supplies right ventricle along the margin.
    Great Saphenous Vein
    Longest vein in the body, running along the leg.

    Femoral Veins

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Major deep veins of the thigh.

    1. Overview

    The femoral veins are major veins located in the thigh that play a key role in returning deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs to the heart. These veins are part of the deep venous system, meaning they are located deep within the body and run alongside the femoral arteries. The femoral veins receive blood from the deep tissues of the leg, including muscles and bones, and empty into the external iliac veins. These veins are critical for maintaining the flow of blood from the lower extremities back to the heart, where it can be oxygenated in the lungs. The femoral veins are also commonly assessed in clinical settings to evaluate circulatory function and detect conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency.

    2. Location

    The femoral veins are located in the upper thigh, running alongside the femoral arteries. They begin at the knee as the popliteal veins, which drain blood from the lower leg and foot. The femoral veins then ascend through the thigh, passing through the femoral triangle, a region bordered by the inguinal ligament, sartorius muscle, and adductor longus muscle. As they move upward, the femoral veins pass beneath the inguinal ligament and become the external iliac veins. These veins eventually drain into the inferior vena cava, which carries deoxygenated blood back to the right atrium of the heart. The femoral veins are situated deep in the thigh and are not typically visible under normal conditions but can be palpated or assessed during medical procedures.

    3. Structure

    The femoral veins are large, deep veins with a structure suited to accommodate the return of blood from the lower limbs. Some key structural features of the femoral veins include:

    • Origin: The femoral veins originate from the popliteal veins at the level of the knee. They are formed by the convergence of smaller veins from the lower leg and foot that drain into the popliteal veins.

    • Course: The femoral veins ascend through the thigh, passing through the femoral triangle. They are located deep to the femoral arteries and run alongside them until they pass beneath the inguinal ligament to become the external iliac veins.

    • Diameter: The femoral veins are relatively large, with a diameter of approximately 10-15 millimeters in adults. The size can vary depending on individual anatomy, health conditions, and age.

    • Wall Composition: Like all veins, the femoral veins are composed of three layers:

      • Intima: The innermost endothelial lining that ensures smooth blood flow.

      • Media: The middle layer, composed of smooth muscle and elastic tissue, that helps the vein accommodate changes in blood volume and pressure.

      • Adventitia: The outer connective tissue layer that provides structural support and helps anchor the vein to surrounding tissues.

    • Valves: The femoral veins contain one-way valves that help prevent the backflow of blood, especially when blood is returning from the lower extremities against gravity. These valves ensure that blood flows efficiently back toward the heart.

    4. Function

    The primary function of the femoral veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs back to the heart. Some key functions of the femoral veins include:

    • Venous return from the lower limbs: The femoral veins collect deoxygenated blood from the deep veins of the thigh and leg, including the popliteal veins, and return it to the heart through the external iliac veins and inferior vena cava.

    • Draining blood from deep tissues: The femoral veins are responsible for draining blood from the muscles, skin, and bones of the thigh, providing a pathway for blood to return from the lower extremities to the heart.

    • Facilitating blood flow during physical activity: The femoral veins play a crucial role in facilitating venous return during exercise. When the legs are active, the femoral veins assist in ensuring that the increased blood flow from the legs is efficiently returned to the heart for reoxygenation in the lungs.

    • Connection to the superior venous system: By emptying into the external iliac veins, the femoral veins connect to the larger venous system, ultimately draining into the inferior vena cava, which carries blood back to the heart.

    5. Physiological Role(s)

    The femoral veins perform several vital physiological roles that contribute to the overall function of the circulatory system and the lower body:

    • Oxygen and nutrient delivery to the legs: By efficiently returning deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs to the heart, the femoral veins contribute to the overall circulatory system's ability to deliver oxygenated blood to the legs. This ensures that the muscles, skin, and tissues of the legs receive a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients for optimal function.

    • Support during movement and exertion: During activities such as walking, running, and standing, the femoral veins help accommodate the increased blood flow from the lower limbs, supporting physical activity and reducing the risk of blood pooling in the legs.

    • Maintaining circulatory homeostasis: The femoral veins assist in maintaining overall circulatory homeostasis by providing a pathway for blood to return to the heart. This helps regulate venous pressure in the lower body and prevents excessive blood buildup in the veins, which could lead to conditions like edema or varicose veins.

    • Facilitating venous return: The femoral veins work with the venous system of the legs to ensure proper venous return to the heart. This is crucial for maintaining adequate circulatory pressure and blood flow throughout the body.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The femoral veins are clinically significant because they are critical for the venous return from the lower limbs and pelvis. Several conditions can affect the femoral veins, leading to complications that may impact circulation. Some key clinical conditions associated with the femoral veins include:

    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs, including the femoral veins. This can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg. In severe cases, the clot may break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Treatment for DVT typically includes anticoagulation therapy, compression stockings, and sometimes surgical intervention to remove the clot.

    • Femoral vein thrombosis: Femoral vein thrombosis is a type of DVT where a clot forms specifically in the femoral vein. This condition can lead to swelling, pain, and impaired blood circulation in the leg. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome or pulmonary embolism.

    • Varicose veins: Varicose veins are dilated, swollen veins that occur when the valves inside the veins become weak or damaged. While varicose veins more commonly affect the superficial venous system, they can also involve the femoral veins in cases of venous insufficiency. Treatment options include compression therapy, lifestyle changes, sclerotherapy, and surgery to remove or close the affected veins.

    • Femoral vein aneurysm: A femoral vein aneurysm occurs when the femoral vein becomes abnormally dilated or weakened. This can lead to blood flow disturbances and an increased risk of clot formation. Aneurysms of the femoral vein are typically treated surgically, especially if they are large or symptomatic.

    • Compression syndromes: The femoral veins can be compressed by surrounding structures, such as tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, or pelvic masses. This can lead to venous congestion, swelling, and discomfort in the affected leg. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause of the compression, which may include surgical or medical interventions to alleviate the pressure on the femoral vein.

    The femoral veins are essential for maintaining proper venous return from the lower limbs and pelvis. Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and femoral vein aneurysms can significantly impair circulation and lead to severe complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions and preserving vascular health in the lower extremities.

    Did you know? A normal adult heart rate at rest ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.