526 



APPLIED ANATOMY. 



the long saphenous nerve, then along the posterior border of the internal condyle 

 and up in almost a straight line to the saphenous opening, 4 cm. ( i ^ in. ) below and 

 to the outer side of the spine of the pubis, where it empties into the femoral 

 vein. It is this vein which is involved in varicose veins of the leg, and is frequently 

 operated on. The blood from the inner and outer portions of the thigh collects into 

 two veins which empty into the long saphenous before the saphenous opening is 



External circumfle 

 Profunda femorii 



Femoral artery 



Perforating arteries from profund 



Superior external articular 



Azygos articula 



Inferior external articular 



Internal circumflex 



Anastomotica magna 



uperior internal articular 



Inferior internal articular 



Fl- 535. Collateral circulation after ligation of femoral artery. 



reached, or else join the vein at the saphenous opening, or else open separately 

 into the femoral vein. There are then sometimes two or three veins at the 

 saphenous opening coming from below, instead of one. This is important to bear in 

 mind when operating here, otherwise one of the side veins may be ligated or excised 

 under the impression that it is the main trunk. Every opportunity should be utilized 

 to impress on one's mind the exact course pursued by the vein, as otherwise it may 

 not be readily found if not rendered conspicuous by distentiori or disease. 



