The topography of the superficial veins of the hind leg in the baboon Papio anubis in comparison with the superficial veins of the lower limb in humans

Abstract

Our studies were carried out on 8 male and 2 female baboons Papio anubis cadavers. We examined a total of 20 hind legs. The vessels of the hind leg were filled with coloured latex. Afterwards we prepared the superficial and deep veins and accompanying arteries. We paid attention to the location, diameter and the course of the long and short saphenous veins. We found many differences between the system of superficial veins in the baboon hind leg and that in the human lower limb. First of all, the long saphenous vein in the baboon Papio anubis presented as two similar trunks that ran together with a concomitant artery. The saphenofemoral junction was also duplicated. The distance between these outlets was about 4 mm and their location was different from that in humans. Neither trunk exceeded 2.5 m in diameter.
Some human-like features were noticed in the system of the short saphenous vein in Papio anubis. The diameter of the short saphenous vein and its course and the location of the saphenopopliteal junction were very similar to those in humans. On the other hand, the short saphenous vein was the main superficial venous channel of the hind limb of Papio anubis.