Types of veins

Superficial and deep system veins

Veins that are superficial can be found just under the skin surface and increase in visibility when they are varicose and abnormal. Non-visible veins are called deep veins, and located well below the skin. Perforating veins and junctions connects superficial veins to deep veins and blood flows through these systems and back to the heart. Superficial veins include:

• Small Saphenous vein
• Greater Saphenous vein

The greater saphenous vein travels on the inner leg from the inner ankle to groin, and is the longest bodily vein. The small saphenous vein is located in the calf, traveling from the outer ankle to the back of the thigh. The vein commonly affected and stripped in varicose vein surgery is the greater saphernous vein.

There are three types of visible abnormal veins: 1. Reticular 2. Spider 3. Varicose veins Spider veins appear as short unconnected lines approximately the size of a large hair. They are small, fine and appear on the surface of the body including face and legs. Resembling a spider web, the veins may be joined in a scraggly manner. They are sometimes unnoticeable and cover a small surface. Alternatively, they can be quite unsightly and cover a large area. Spider veins are fed by the reticular veins which are blue in colour. Lastly, the largest dilated veins which bulge above the skins surface and can become unsightly are varicose veins . They are dilated blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vessel wall and may appear as swollen clusters of blue or purple veins. They are characterised by great pain in sufferers, a burning sensation exacerbated with prolonged periods of standing.