Lateral marginal vein of foot

The lateral marginal vein of the foot is a superficial vein that runs along the lateral border of the foot, beginning near the base of the fifth toe and coursing posteriorly toward the lateral malleolus. It is situated subcutaneously and is part of the superficial venous system of the foot. The vein receives tributaries from the dorsal venous arch and communicates with the small saphenous vein near the lateral malleolus, often serving as a conduit for venous return from the lateral aspect of the foot and the dorsum.

The lateral marginal vein lies superficial to the fascia, paralleling the lateral edge of the foot, and is closely associated with the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve, which is a branch of the sural nerve. The vein is often accompanied by small arterial branches, notably from the lateral plantar artery perforators near the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal, and forms anastomoses with the lateral tarsal and dorsal metatarsal arteries in the lateral-dorsal region of the foot..