| Deep vein | |
|---|---|
 The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | vena profunda |
| TA98 | A12.0.00.035 |
| TA2 | 3909 |
| FMA | 76718 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Adeep vein is avein that is deep in the body. This contrasts withsuperficial veins that are close to the body's surface.
Deep veins are almost always beside an artery with the same name (e.g. thefemoral vein is beside thefemoral artery). Collectively, they carry the vast majority of the blood. Occlusion of a deep vein can be life-threatening and is most often caused bythrombosis. Occlusion of a deep vein by thrombosis is calleddeep vein thrombosis.
Because of their location deep within the body, operation on these veins can be difficult.
