Bilateral “quadriceps gastrocnemius” and termination of small saphenous vein outside the popliteal fossa in a cadaver

The gastrocnemius muscle located on the posterior compartment of the leg, has two heads. Muscular variations presumably seriously compromise parts of the muscular, vascular, nervous, and skeletal and/or organ systems. The main causes of gastrocnemius muscle variation may be due to an error of embryologic developmental timing or persistence of an embryologic condition. On the other hand, variations in the origin, course, and termination of the superficial veins of the lower limb are common. However, variations of the short saphenous are rarely reported. Knowledge on the anatomical variations of structures has clinical significance to surgeons, radiologists who interpret plain and computerized imaging.

Keywords:Bilateral, gastrocnemius, popliteal fossa, small saphenous vein, termination, variant muscle, variations