ABSTRACT
Popliteal fossa dissections were performed on two hundred adult extremities and the patterns of the deep venous system were observed. Three general types were established for the popliteal vein and its branches. Single large trunk representing the popliteal vein at the level of the knee joint occurs only in 32.00％, two venous trunks at this level in 65.50％ and three venous trunks in 2.50％. Furthermore, considerable variations of the formation of popliteal veins were found. The patterns of popliteal vein were divided into three main types and eleven subtypes. Type Ⅱa occurs most frequently (41.50％). The size of each vein of the deep venous system was measured. The average calibre of the single popliteal vein is 6.89mm (ranging between 4.0-11.5 mm). The veins from the gastrocnemius muscle join the single or the two popliteal trunks respectively. The veins of the soleus muscle drain into the peroneal and posterior tibial veins. The short saphenous vein typically terminates in the popliteal vein. Variations in its termination were described.