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Leg Veins

Picture of leg veins

Deep leg veins (the light blue veins in the picture) include the iliac, femoral, popliteal, and tibial veins. Superficial leg veins (the dark blue veins) include the greater and lesser saphenous veins.

In deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Clots also can form in superficial veins, which are closer to the skin.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology
Last Revised December 28, 2011

Last Revised: December 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology

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