The star of venous revealed

Abstract

The “star of venous” is a structure that is grossly overlooked in undergraduate anatomy classes as well as in many textbooks. The more recognizable name for this structure is the saphenofemoral junction. In an average of 37% of cases, a patient presents with a true “star of venous”. It is a venous junction, not duplicated in arteries, between the greater saphenous, great circumflex, epigastric, femoral, external iliac and one or several of the external pudenal, veins. The “star of venous” is located within the femoral triangle deep and inferior to Allan Burns’ ligament.The “star of venous” carries great significance when preforming surgeries such as inguinal hernia repair, or on an ectasia of the saphenofemoral junction, or during greater saphenous stripping for coronary artery revascularization.Dissection of the “star of venous” is relatively easy to do but also easy to remove if you don't know it is there. It is these types of amazing and elegant structures that are small but carry a large significance in the human body. If students are aware of the “star of venous” when learning anatomy they may gain a real relevance and perspective to its importance.Grant Funding Source: Biology Department