Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous, elongated ______ veins of the lower extremity (most commonly)

Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous, elongated ______ veins of the lower extremity (most commonly)

• A. Deep
• B. Superficial
• C. Perforating
• D. Communicating

Answer: (B)

Varicose veins arise when valves in the superficial veins of the leg fail, causing reflux and chronically increased venous pressure. This leads to dilation and elongation of those superficial veins, which are under higher hydrostatic pressure when standing and have less muscular support than the deep system. The deep veins are less prone to distention, and while perforating veins (which connect superficial and deep systems) can transmit reflux, the classic varicose changes occur in the superficial venous network. Therefore, the dilated, tortuous, elongated veins described are the superficial veins of the lower extremity.

Varicose veins arise when valves in the superficial veins of the leg fail, causing reflux and chronically increased venous pressure. This leads to dilation and elongation of those superficial veins, which are under higher hydrostatic pressure when standing and have less muscular support than the deep system. The deep veins are less prone to distention, and while perforating veins (which connect superficial and deep systems) can transmit reflux, the classic varicose changes occur in the superficial venous network. Therefore, the dilated, tortuous, elongated veins described are the superficial veins of the lower extremity.