Lower limb
Superficial epigastric vein
Vena epigastrica superficialis
- Origin
- Originates from the subcutaneous periumbilical venous plexus
- Insertion
- Descends across the lower abdominal wall to drain into the great saphenous vein near the saphenofemoral junction
- Function
- Provides superficial venous return from the lower anterior abdominal wall
- Innervation
- Sympathetic vasomotor fibers
- Movement & chain
- Subcutaneous course within the abdominal superficial fascia
- Palpation
- Visually dilated in venous obstructive disorders
- Clinical
- Caput Medusae (portocaval anastomosis dilating in severe portal hypertension/cirrhosis); engorged in IVC obstruction
- Segmental innervation
- Superficial systemic venous drainage
- In clinical practice
- Key landmark during saphenofemoral high ligation; clinical indicator of portal hypertension and abdominal collateral flow
- Region in the model
- Lower limb