[TA] arises on the lateral side of the foot from a union of the dorsal vein of the little toe with the dorsal venous arch, ascends posterior to the lateral malleolus, along the lateral border of the calcanean tendon and then through the middle of the calf to the inferior aspect of the popliteal space where it empties into the popliteal vein. SYN: vena saphena parva [TA], short saphenous vein.