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Anterior tibial vein
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The anterior tibial veins are paired veins located in the anterior compartment of the leg. These veins accompany the anterior tibial artery, coursing over the anterior interosseous membrane of the leg.
The anterior tibial veins receive tributaries from the dorsum of the foot and the anterior leg compartment, effectively draining these regions. They end at the level of the popliteus muscle by merging with the posterior tibial veins and forming the popliteal vein.
| Origin | Dorsal venous arch of foot |
| Tributaries | Venae comitantes of the branches of dorsalis pedis artery, venae comitantes of the branches of anterior tibial artery |
| Drains to | Popliteal vein |
| Drainage area | Dorsum of foot, ankle joint, anterior compartment of leg, knee joint |
This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the anterior tibial vein.
Anatomy and course
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The anterior tibial veins arise within the dorsum of the foot from the dorsal venous arch of the foot. They course superiorly and enter the leg by passing between the tibia and fibula.
Through the leg, the anterior tibial veins course in proximity to the anterior tibial artery. They ascend over the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane of the leg, passing between the extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior muscles. The anterior tibial veins then pierce the proximal end of the interosseous membrane and unite with the posterior tibial veins at the level of the distal border of the popliteus muscle. Thereby, the anterior and posterior tibial veins form the popliteal vein.
The anterior tibial veins receive several tributaries along their course. In the foot, they are joined by the venae comitantes (accompanying veins) of the branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, while in the leg they receive the venae comitantes of the branches of the anterior tibial artery. This way, the anterior tibial veins drain the venous blood from the dorsum of the foot, ankle joint, anterior compartment of the leg and the knee joint.
Learn more about the veins of the lower extremity with our articles, video tutorials, quizzes and labeled diagrams.
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