Venous drainage of the hind limb in the monkey (macaca fascicularis).

Detailed dissection and histological examination of the hind limb veins in twelve adult limbs of Macaca fascicularis confirm that the main superficial venous channels are a short saphenous vein and the venae comitantes of branches of the arteria saphena. Three sets of constant perforating veins were located, and the number and location of valves in these and the main superficial venous channels were noted. Venous sinuses were found in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Dissections of the superficial veins were made in single specimens of Pan and Gorilla, and in the latter a long saphenous vein of the human type was found. Possible homologues between the non-human and human venous systems are proposed.