The Great Saphenous vein arises from which venous network?

• A. Dorsal venous network of the foot
• B. Popliteal network
• C. Femoral network
• D. Cephalic network

Answer: (A)

The great saphenous vein starts at the medial end of the dorsal venous network of the foot. This dorsal venous arch on the top of the foot collects blood from the toes and dorsum of the foot, and the great saphenous vein forms from its medial portion. From there it ascends along the medial leg to join the femoral vein in the thigh.

The other networks aren’t the origin of the great saphenous vein: the network behind the knee is the popliteal region, not where the GSV begins; the femoral network refers to deeper structures in the thigh; and the cephalic network is in the lateral aspect of the forearm and upper arm.