Question

what structure is highlighted?

a. great saphenous v.
b. femoral v. and tributaries
c. femoral v.
d. deep femoral v.
e. superficial external pudendal vv.

Explanation:

Identify the anatomical region

The image displays a dissection of the anterior thigh region of the lower limb. The skeleton on the right highlights the pelvic and thigh region, confirming that we are looking at the femoral triangle area of the thigh.

Analyze the highlighted structure

In the dissection image, a deep venous structure is highlighted in blue. This vessel lies deep to the femoral artery and runs along the medial aspect of the thigh, receiving tributaries from deeper structures of the thigh.

Differentiate the options

• Great saphenous v.: This is a superficial vein that runs medially along the entire lower limb and superficial fascia, eventually draining into the femoral vein. The highlighted structure is deep, not superficial.
• Femoral v.: The main femoral vein is the direct continuation of the popliteal vein and runs superiorly through the adductor canal and femoral triangle.
• Deep femoral v. (Profunda femoris vein): This vein drains the deep structures of the thigh (such as the adductor muscles and femur) and empties into the femoral vein in the femoral triangle. The highlighted blue segment is a deeper branch running posterior-lateral to the main femoral vein, which corresponds to the deep femoral vein.
• Superficial external pudendal vv.: These are small superficial branches draining the external genitalia and lower abdominal wall, which are much smaller and more superficial than the highlighted vessel.

Confirm the highlighted vessel

The highlighted blue vessel is situated deep in the thigh, branching off (or draining into) the main femoral vein trunk. This deep, lateral/posteriorly branching vessel is the deep femoral vein (deep femoral v.).

Answer:

• (A) Great saphenous v.
• (B) Femoral v. and tributaries
• (C) Femoral v.
• (D) Deep femoral v. (Correct answer)
• (E) Superficial external pudendal vv.